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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Fernando temporarily lifts mining, quarrying ban in Bulacan

Fernando temporarily lifts mining, quarrying ban in Bulacan

Published Oct 21, 2022 08:19 am

Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando has announced the temporary lifting of the ban on mining and quarrying in the province.

In a meeting with representatives of the mining sector at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center on Thursday, Oct. 20, Fernando said that with the lifting of the ban as mandated by Executive Order No. 21-2022, the mining sector may now resume quarrying operations on Oct. 26.

However, they should follow the guidelines issued by the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) headed by lawyer Julius Victor Degala.

The applicants and existing holders of the special quarry and other related permits were given an updated and modified set of guidelines regarding the environmental sustainability of their operations including haulers, blasting companies, processing plants, cement companies, and bentonite operators.

The Bulacan governor said the lifting of Executive Order No. 21-2022 will take effect on Oct. 26, and will only be temporary as the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is still working on the creation of an ordinance regarding overloading and quarrying.

"Iyon ang hihintayin natin at magre-resume tayo sa pagiging regular at permanent (Let us wait for that and we will resume the regular or permanent)," Fernando added.

Degala said the BENRO is looking for a win-win solution for both the provincial government and the members of the mining sector.

“Panalangin ko pong maging madiplomasiya ang pagpupulong na ito upang sa ganon ay makahanap tayo ng win-win solution; magiging panatag ang aming loob dahil tuluyang mawawasak ang Inang Kalikasan. Makakapag-hanapbuhay ng matiwasay ang ating miners dahil legal at dokumentado ang lahat ng ginagawa. Sa sektor ng pagmimina, hindi po tayo magkaaway; tayo po ay magka-partner (I prayed this meeting will be diplomatic and we can find a win-win solution. We should find ways to protect Mother Nature and at the same time give miners a means of livelihood. We are not enemies here. We are partners)," Degala said.

Fernando said a ban will be imposed on mining and quarrying even if only one individual or company will not comply with the regulations.

He also firmly reminded them to not bribe anybody, including him, and the watchmen.

“Ito po ang tatandaan ninyo; kapag ni-lift ko ito (EO.21-2022), huwag na huwag kayong maglalagay o magpakotong kahit na kanino sa mga manghihingi sa inyo ng pera. Kapag nalaman ko ‘yan, lahat kayo apektado dahil ipapahinto ko ulit ang pag-quarry sa Bulacan. (Remember this, once EO 21-2022 is lifted, never resort to bribery. Even if onely one among you resorts to bribery, everyone will be affected because I will not hesitate to ban quarrying again) Be a responsible miner, be responsible to our environment," Fernando said.

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