Last June 8, 2011 I was invited by the ABSCBN Foundation to partake in the discussion and Press Presentation of the Petition for Saving Palawan, one of the ABSCBN Foundation’s initiative to preserve the beauty and richness of the archipelago.
The Save Palawan Movement has launched a “No to Mining in Palawan” signature campaign in the hope of putting an end to mining activities in Palawan, known as the Philippines’ Last Ecological Frontier. The campaign aims to raise ten million signatures to deliver a strong message to the Philippine and Palawan governments so that they would finally say no to mining in Palawan and help protect one of the Philippines’ last remaining treasures.
STORY
MacroAsia, a big mining firm, allegedly brought thirty “fake” indigenous people. These so-called tribal chieftains showed support on MacroAsia despite opposite views from the majority of indigenous people from Brooke’s Point.
“Mining is not the way to go for Palawan.In this age of climate change and global warming any economic development that does not recognize and revere the web of life should be thrown in the dustbin.” – Gina Lopez, Managing Director of ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.
Mount Mantalingahan, one of Palawan’s 33 watersheds, is located within Brooke’s Point. Mount Mantalingahan, with its lush forest and pristine rivers, is in threat of mining activities once Certificate of Precondition is granted to MacroAsia.
Palawan has 40 percent of our country’s remaining mangrove areas, 30 percent of our coral reefs, at least 17 Key Biodiversity Areas, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and eight declared protected areas.
According to official information, between June 15 and 17, the NCIP will convene an en banc meeting to decide on the issuance or non- issuance of the Certificate of Precondition to MacroAsia Corporation. The eventual endorsement of this important document will allow MacroAsia to proceed towards the next step: getting the (Strategic Environmental Plan) SEP clearance from the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD).
Im inviting everyone to please support the ten million signature campaign to Stop Mining in Palawan . The beauthy and richness of Palawan is the wealth and pride of the country, it is the wealth of the world. Log in to www.no2mininginpalawan.com
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