Aroroy, Masbate rejects Large Scale Mining
By atm.admin - Posted on March 16th, 2009
The Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) puts its complete support behind the concerned citizens and officials of Aroroy, Masbate who are protesting the unwelcome and unsafe presence of the operations of Filminera Mining Corporation (FMC) in partnership with Austalia- and Canada-based Central Gold Asia Ltd. (CGA)
There is no support in the community for FMC, upon whose site marched thousands of concerned residents under the banner of the Association of Concerned Residents of Aroroy Inc. (ACRA). Backed by the Church, the Social Action Center of Masbate and Bishop Joel Baylon, these residents called for the cancellation of the Minerals Productions Sharing Agreement (MPSA) issued to Filminera.
In a statement, the Diocese of Masbate Social Action Foundation Inc. (DIMASAFI) considers that it is the Church’s “duty and responsibility to vigorously to oppose the “open pit” mining of CGA in the town of Aroroy as a sign of our faith and understanding that we are stewards of God’s creation, and are accountable to Him who has created everything in our world to be good.”
There is no support in the local government for FMC, as Aroroy’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan has slammed them for lacking even the basic requirement of an Environment Compliance Certificate. It was also recently revealed that FMC lacks a Mayor’s permit and a business permit.
“If they were any other business, FMC’s operations would be shuttered immediately, but mining in the Philippines operates under the protection of the DENR-MGB as led by Sec. Lito Atienza,” says Jaybee Garganera, National Director of ATM. He further said that “instead of protecting the environment, Sec. Atienza strives to further its degradation, allowing the most outrageous practices to happen under his nose.
Far from being a regulatory agency, the DENR-MGB actively supports mining in all its endeavors, including the denial of Filipinos to their water rights. In this regard, Filminera now competes with the water source down Guinubatan River.
“Saying that Filminera is sharing their water rights to the community, it seems that the people now are indebted to the mining company,” says Marcial C. Velasco, Chairman of ACRA. “The people of Aroroy have the prior rights over its water sources; we are from this locality since the time we were born and the livelihoods of our people is at stake.”
Atty. Rhia Muhi of the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center-Kasama sa Kalikasan / Friends of the Earth Philippines (LRC-KsK-FoE Phils.) said that in “this recent development of opposition to open-pit mining of CGA and Filminera in Aroroy, there is now a clear manifestation of the loopholes of the Mining Act of 1995 which favors foreign companies. It is now the ripe time to support the Alternative Mining Bill (AMB) which addresses the concerns raised by civil society with regard to environmental protection, economic benefits, human rights, and indigenous peoples rights."
Led by ACRA and backed by the Catholic and Evangelical Churches with some other sects and denominations, the residents of Aroroy has been barricading in front of Filminera mines in Brgy. Puro, Aroroy, Masbate. The protest attended by almost 4,000 people is on its third day since March 14, 2009.
CONTACTS:
Rodne R. Galicha (ATM Sites of Struggles Officer): 09087421905
Marcial Velasco/Danilo Corpuz (ACRA Members of the Board): 09209190274
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Filminera Resources Corporation seemed to be 100% CGA
Let it be known to the whole citizenry of Masbate and to all concerned that Filminera Resources Corporation (FRC) seemed to have no remaining interest in the Mining Operations now conducted by CGA here in Aroroy, Masbate. As per CGA Annual Report of 2008, Michael Carrick, CGA’s President and CEO, stated:
“In March 2007, CGA acquired 100% of Thistle Mining Inc’s (“Thistle”) interest in the Masbate Gold Project for a purchase consideration of US$ 51 million (including both cash and shares). As a result of the transaction, CGA indirectly acquired a 40% interest in Filminera Resources Corporation (“Filminera”) and 100% of Phil. Gold Processing and Refining Corp. (“PGPRC”). The remaining 60% of Filminera is owned by a Philippine registered company, Zoom Mineral Holdings Inc., in which CGA has a 40% interest. CGA has an option to acquire the remaining 60% of Zoom Mineral Holdings Inc., where possible under Philippine Law.
The ongoing opposition and mass action of the Association of Concerned Residents of Aroroy Inc. (ACRA), together with the Churches (both Catholics and Evangelicals) and the Diocese of Masbate Social Action Foundation Inc. is directed primarily against CGA and also against Filminera for Filminera has been used as “front” to the innocent people of Aroroy.
Further update:
As per 19 March 2009 of CGA’s report, “Mr. Maxwell, a representative of Mayfield has also resigned as a Director of the Company…”
By:
Ptr. Billy Quilario (09219546785)
Vice President – ACRA
Chairman – Research and Information
March 27, 2009
If indeed the real intention
If indeed the real intention of ACRA is for the preservation of our environment, it has to take its cudgel against its leaders who owned processing plants. Residents of Aroroy are all aware that behind this cause are gold processing plant operators and one of this is Mr. Billy Quilario. If Mr. Quilario is really sincere in saying that he has no vested interest in joining the cause, he must relinguish his processing plant by scrapping or bulldozing it because this also contributes environmental destruction. If he can do this and other plant operators will follow suit, I believe that ACRA will have no hard time in convincing people to join their cause. Unless Mr. Quilario will not affirm before the people of Aroroy that he will demolish his processing plant, such mass action will go to naught. I believe detractors of Mr. Quilario are right, that he joined the mass action against the operation of Filminera because of personal interest.
Tama nga naman, walang
Tama nga naman, walang maniniwala kay Mr. Quilario na ang ipinaglalaban niya ay ang pangangalaga at proteksyon ng kalikasan at kapakanan ng taong bayan ng Aroroy, Masbate. Bago siya sumigaw laban sa operasyon ng Filminera sa Aroroy, Masbate, suriin niya muna ng mabuti ang dulot sa kalikasan ng operasyon ng kanyang planta na malapit sa Guinobatan River. Kaya nga ayaw naming sumama sa rally laban sa Filminera dahil ginagamit lang ni Mr. Quilario at ng kanyang mga kasamahan ang taong bayan para sa sariling kapakanan, ang yumaman sa pamamagitan ng small-scale mining. Wala ng ibang dahilan.
No Anonymous please..
Mr. Billy Quilario is willing to face anybody concerned to discuss issues related to ACRA’s movement in public forum if possible, to be attended by municipal government officers and the general public.
Would be better if Mr. Billy
Would be better if Mr. Billy Quilario will do his discussion here aside from public forum. In such a way, we who are on other side of the world can see his side on the issue of being one of the pollutants in the vicinity.
Who/What is FMC??? Seems ATM
Who/What is FMC??? Seems ATM needs more facts to collect.
protest
it is the small-scale (mostly illegal) mining operations that are contributing more to the degradation. these operations don't even treat their waste and most if not all of them just throw their tailings into the rivers and streams. they also waste a significant portion of the minerals since they only have a very limited recovery of the minerals (mainly gold). being mostly illegal, they also do not pay taxes, do not follow labor, environmental and other laws to safeguard the employees and environment. the people lose more with them than with a competent and legal company. instead of calling for a ban againts legal companies, these people should call for responsible mining and be vigilant that provisions of the mining law and other related laws are observed.
the people should be more discerning and look beyond the rhetorics of these "anti-mining" groups and not be used to advance their own selfish interests. if these people are really againts mining then they should oppose all forms whether small or large scale. and by the way, they should also not use things that are products of mining such as all metals and products derived by using it, ceramics, concretes, some medicines, cosmetics etc. otherwise they will just be hypocrites.
Anti Mining NGO's
While we want the mining sector to contribute to the ailing economy these NGO's are here to ensure the country fails.In the guise of protecting the environment they went on to scrutinizing the ownership of operating companies in the name of skewed nationalist intention.China invited capitalism and prospered.These groups should take notice that their main benefactor of old (communism) is dead.Why they continue to exist are the laments of progressive Pilipinos, they are the crabs of this country.
Anti Mining NGOs
Dear anonymous,
Your assumption that mining will contribute to the economy is a false one. While short-term investments and revenues may appear in the financial papers of some of the mining companies, and to some extent, to the coffers of government, the long-term costs of mining operations far out-weigh these "benefits".
For more information, you may want to look up the literature on "Resource Curse". Similarly, there have been some studies by economists based here in the Philippines, and the observations and conclusions against the "claimed benefits" of mining are not flattering for the industry. For example, the annual contribution of the mining industry to the Philippine GDP has never exceeded 2% in the past 3 decades. Compare this to the more than 15%-18% of agriculture and to more than 20% of services. The employment generated from mining has never exceeded a measly .04% in any given year from the 1970s.
You cited China as inviting capitalism. You forgot to mention that their decision to embark on capitalism was preceded by a complete social engineering project (Great Leap Forward) and China completed its land reform program. Also, while we can't dismiss the presence of corruption in the Chinese political system, the same in the Philippines can't be over-emphasized.
Anti-mining groups have never claimed to be champions of communism. May I request you to take time to read the FAQs in this website in order to get a more comprehensive understanding of our advocacy.
Jaybee Garganera
Key Players and Stakeholders of Aroroy Sustainable Development
The mining industry in Aroroy, Masbate is one of oldest industries and considered as one of the major contributors of both positive and negative implications of development. After my high graduation in 1979, I could still recall the intensity of the excitements about the upcoming full blast operations of the mining industry under the leadership of Atlas Mining and Development Corporation. That time I am really puzzled because I am also seeing and admitting my unpreparedness to that perceived opportunity, so I just watched and enjoyed observing and seeing the excitement of the people in Aroroy. Wow! Huh? Huh! Then, after finishing my college education, I am hoping to see the possibilities of contributing to the development system of my beloved hometown. But again, I am not yet ready due to my limited exposure and experience. So I opted to work and build my future in Cavite - as the heart of the history of the Philippines. Thus, for more than 25 years, I purposely traveled, worked and exposed myself around the Philippines and appropriately observed and studied the common and uncommon needs, problems and issues viz-a-viz the dreams and aspirations of the people in their respective community. It's amazing and very rewarding experiences and exposures about people, business, good governance and development.
Now, after hearing the reports and reading this article about my hometown, I was little bit surprised due to the unexpected protest done by a multi-sectoral group against the new and existing big players of the mining industry in Aroroy. Therefore, what is the truth behind this protest? What is the true intention about the protest? Is the protest legitimate or purely harassment to the industry? What is the real position of the Municipal Government of Aroroy about this issue? Is the multi-sectoral group serving as a true representative of Aroroy? What are the loopholes of the Mining Act? Why just react now about the Mining Act? Can we still amend or improve the Mining Ac or can we change it? Who are the true key players and stakeholders for Sustainable Development of Aroroy? Are the people of Aroroy being prepared for the needed change? Do we know and have the right formula of success for Aroroy?
Indeed some of above-stated questions are not comfortable to answer. But, I agree with ATM, lets draw the lines, the needed parameters and the safety nets about the development plans, the mining systems and technologies to be adopted and implemented by FMC and CGA. I also agree that DENR is the mandated agency to see to it that Mining Act is being followed and that the necessary mechanisms of conservation and protection of our environment are properly complied with, but also DENR is not the owner of the natural resources of Aroroy but must only serves being a good steward government agency. Finally, I hope the current and future leadership of the Municipal Government of Aroroy would be prepared and equipped as local managers and executives for the good governance of Aroroy. Thus my questions to them: how is your Zoning Plan and Ordinance especially in relations to the mining industry? Available or not yet? And to the electorates of Aroroy , are your current elected and appointed leaders or even the career professionals serving in the local government units not directly or indirectly involved in the mining industry, and likewise their family? If you say yes, it's a gray area. Now... you know why I am little bit surprised. Then, what's next? what happen now? What's your plan for the needed change? Are you committed to change and make a difference? It's all up to you. The future of Aroroy is in your collective decisions and actions. Thus, blessed are those who are in the right path of the history of Aroroy. Surely, my heart is one with the righteous people of Aroroy based on the 5S principles such as synergy, stability, success, significance and service, and not the IS principle which is survival of the fittest.
May God truly bless the people of Aroroy for the needed change. The timing for the needed change is NOW not yesterday or even tomorrow. And, 2010 is near! So, why not continue the CHANGE?
Key Players and Stakeholders of Aroroy Sustainable Development
Dear Mr. Pimentel,
thank you verymuch for your passionate and candid post. I am glad that you found our blog site interesting and revealing. As you are a resident of Aroroy, I can only say that your hometown is blessed with your care and hopes for what happens there.
The questions you posed are indeed critical.
ATM's decision to support the anti-mining protests in Aroroy was informed by our assessment that the people required assistance in terms of adequate information so that they can have a more "complete picture". This early on, ATM is aware that there are groups that believe that mining can and will bring development to Aroroy. While we do not share this assessment based on our reading of past and current mining operations, we do recognize the value of the opinions and views of pro-mining individuals.
I sincerely hope that you continue to monitor the situation in Aroroy, and to nurture your passion to hope for genuine development in your town.
Here's looking forward to a more productive CHANGE not only in Aroroy, but in the whole Philippines
Jaybee Garganera
ACRA Feedback support
Kung may mga comment patungkol sa background ng ACRA leaders, at least nakikialam rin sila sa mga mangyayari sa aroroy. Hindi mo naman kailangang maging isang Church leader to defend your environment and everybody's future. Kung medyo hindi nila makuha ang ibig sabihin ng pagtayo nila laban sa Filminera, eh di sila na lang mismo ang mamuno sa protesta... iyon ay kung talagang kaya nila. Kaya at least mayroon na tayong brave-enough leaders para pangunahan tayo sa protest kasi hindi lang naman ito para sa kanila, para sa lahat ng Aroronians po ito. Sana naman po ay makisangkot na sa kayo sa magiging kinabukasan namning mga kabataan.
Territorial Leadership in Aroroy
The present and future needs, problems and issues affecting the mining industry in Aroroy must be look into using the holistic mindset of the key stakeholders of Aroroy, Masbate. What do really want as legitimate Arororians? What is your vision for Aroroy? What do really want for the mining industry in Aroroy? Close or stop it? Harrass it? Leverage for it? Use it? What do really want? Do you want to manage on your own resources in Aroroy? What do you really want? Are the current stakeholders really legitimate Aroronians? Meaning, are you really full-blooded Aroronians? Indeed if you are legitimate Aroronians then well and good. If not, please stop meddling directly in the affairs in Aroroy.
As for me, let us respect the territorial leadership in Aroroy. Let the full-blooded Aroronians lead and manage their present and future as a people and as a Municipality. What is not acceptable for me is seeing 'local migrants' and claiming they are legitimate Aroronians, and able to manipulate and take leadership position by force, and by manipulating the weaknesses of the true and full-blooded Aroronians.
There are so many potential leaders in Aroroy who are legitimate Aroronians yet they are ill prepared and not well equipped to take leadership positions in the local government affairs and other government agencies as well as in the private sector most especially in the mining industry.
So, what is the best for the true and full-blooded Aroronians? Change by preparing yourself, then change by preparing yourself and then change by preparing yourself. Change by educating yourself, then change by educating yourself, and then change by educating yourself. Change by taping your inner potentials, then change by tapping your inner potentials, and then change by tapping your inner potentials. Change by starting and mastering the basics, then change by starting and mastering the basics, and then change by starting and mastering the basics.
If you cannot CHANGE then you cannot change Aroroy! If you cannot CHANGE then you will be CHANGE by the wrong mindsets of the migrants claiming as your terriorial leaders. If you cannot CHANGE then you will become followers with strong slavery and poverty mindsets, and these wrong mindsets will be your greatest challenges and obstacles in your life as a people. If you cannot CHANGE then the next generations would have more difficulty to change even for simple change they will not and cannot change.
So, how we do begin the agenda of change in Aroroy? Simple, let the legitimate and full-blooded Aroronians lead and manage Aroroy. Let the Aroronians become strong territorial leaders in Aroroy. Aroroy is simply for legitimate and full-blooded Aroronians, and never for local migrants. Applying the principle of territorial leadership then local migrants have no rights and priviledges to assert their leadership position in Aroroy. You can help and assist, why not? But only become the best coaches and mentors for the legitimate Aroronians but never, never and never act as territorial leaders in Aroroy.
In the right time when the full-blooded Aroronians become strong territorial leaders in Aroroy then I know for sure and truly believe in my heart that Aroroy will be in good hands.
This is the true essense of territorial leadership in Aroroy.
Strategic Investments for Aroroy Sustainable Development
Dear Jaybee,
Thank you so much for your appreciation about my passion of seeing the genuine development in my hometown Aroroy!
As a development management practitioner, I am hoping to see that the current and future local leaders and managers in the Municipal Government of Aroroy would consider the following Strategic Investments for Aroroy Sustainable Development:
1) Investment to understand the basic and right formula of success for Aroroy
2) Investment for the development of the human capital of true and full-blooded Aroronians
3) Investment for tapping the potentials of true and full-blooded Aroronians
< Create more value such as website for Aroroy (learn from www.balenotown.com) thus Aroroy
is able to connect with the borderless world and harness the unlimited potentials>
As most local leaders and managers are seeing the value of mining the gold and other mineral resources for economic development of Aroroy; then for me, I would be glad in seeing them putting more investments and priorities in the "soft mining" that is exploring and nurturing inner potentials of the human resources in Aroroy.
Hope LGUs would be truly equipped for good governance in Aroroy, thus the shortest distance to leadership is SERVICE anchored on the principle of righteousness and not on wickedness.
Shalom,
Efren Cordero Pimentel
Strategic Investments for Aroroy Sustainable Development
Dear Jaybee,
Thank you so much for your appreciation about my passion of seeing the genuine development in my hometown Aroroy!
As a development management practitioner, I am hoping to see that the current and future local leaders and managers in the Municipal Government of Aroroy would consider the following Strategic Investments for Aroroy Sustainable Development:
1) Investment to understand the basic and right formula of success for Aroroy
- Right formula means right results while wrong formula means wrong results
2) Investment for the development of the human capital of true and full-blooded Aroronians
- Strengthen college scholarships, TESDA scholarship and Alternative Learning System
- Equip the local leaders with management and leadership competencies
3) Investment for tapping the potentials of true and full-blooded Aroronians
- Tap, network & leverage the expertise and resources of the Aroronians who are outside Aroroy
- Create more value such as website for Aroroy (learn from www.balenotown.com) thus Aroroy
is able to connect with the borderless world and harness the unlimited potentials
As most local leaders and managers are seeing the value of mining the gold and other mineral resources for economic development of Aroroy; then for me, I would be glad in seeing them putting more investments and priorities in the "soft mining" that is exploring and nurturing inner potentials of the human resources in Aroroy.
Hope LGUs would be truly equipped for good governance in Aroroy, thus the shortest distance to leadership is SERVICE anchored on the principle of righteousness and not on wickedness.
Shalom,
Efren Cordero Pimentel
Aroyroy have been a mining
Aroyroy have been a mining area since the Spanish time and most of the people in Aroroy in one time or another have worked and benifited in the mine. The open pit have been there since 1980's and the people of Aroroy have not protested. I remember the time that Aroroy used to be a sleepy town, no progress at all. When , the mine open up, the once sleepy Aroroy bocomesa bustle of business and suddenly several stores have open. The children of those people in Aroroy working in the mine got the chance to have good education, some of them even took up coarse related to mining. I'm one of those children who have been given good education because of the mine.
The anti-mining group offers no alternative in developing the economy of some of our far flung and sleepy towns. If you really are anti-mining, your group should stop using computers, eye glasses, cameras, ceramic products, construction materials for your houses and the likes. You can go back and live the way people live during the Stone age. Don't you know that every thing that we have today, cars, computers, electrical and communication power in one way or another are products of mining.
Possibly you can tell the clergy and your group not to leave in marble or cemented houses to be a true blooded anti-mining.
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