[ Manila Bulletin Online ] March 23, 2008
ILOILO CITY — "I want to see people going to jail for violating environmental laws," said Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza as he emphasized that Batas Pambansa 265 must be fully enforced.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said that Batas Pambansa (BP) 265 prohibits pebble extraction and beach mining to preserve the natural beauty of Philippine beaches and protect biodiversity.
Citing the negative impact of pebble extraction, Secretary Atienza said that the uncontrolled gathering of puka shells will lead to the disappearance of puka shells in the area, and will result to permanent loss of the area’s natural charm.
Meanwhile, the DENR also said that the government has further promoted and encouraged the participation of local executives in promoting and developing responsible mining by giving them a seat and allowing them to participate in the decision-making process of the Minerals Development Council or MDC.
Secretary Atienza, who chairs the MDC, said that Executive Order No. 469 issued on Oct. 11, 2005, was amended to include the participation of the LGUs in the minerals council.
Their involvement in MDC will further advance the cause of making the mining industry more conscious of the environment and the welfare of communities which host mining ventures.
"The involvement of the local government in the MDC is very important because the local chief executives are the most knowledgeable about the situation in their respective areas. They are also mandated to protect their constituents against potential hazards," Atienza said.
The MDC acts as an oversight committee to boost the administration’s goal of securing a total of billion in mining investments in the next few years, Atienza said emphasizing that the amendment to the EO 469 increases the number of council members.
___________________________________________________________________
