Pro-environment groups scored a victory against destructive extraction in the central Philippines after the city government of Sagay refused to endorse an open-pit mining project.
In a resolution dated Jan. 10, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Sagay denied the request of the Tambuli Mining Company Inc. for a favorable endorsement of its mining project due to the “negative impact” of the extractive project on the “environment and human well-being”.
The City Council also expressed its “opposition/objection to any future mineral mining in the City of Sagay.
Alyansa Tigil Mina praised the decision of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Sagay “for standing firm” on its declared environmental policy.
The group also commended the “persistent efforts of Bishop Gerry Alminaza and the people behind the Diocese of San Carlos and the Social Action Center for lobbying the local government and getting the support of the communities against mining”.
“The perseverance of Bishop Alminaza, the church workers, and allied organizations to raise awareness on the issue and articulate the arguments against mining has generated much-needed support from local officials,” the group said.
