The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has pledged its full support to the efforts of the Philippine government in addressing pressing environmental problems in the country, including the destructive impact of illegal mining, during a plenary session on the Community Consultation and Engagement for the Affected Mining Areas and Communities in Dinagat Island, Surigao Del Sur and Norte held over the weekend in Butuan City.

Spearheaded by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Gina Lopez, the plenary session involved the sharing of the output of the series of comprehensive consultation and engagement with communities affected by the mining audit, which the agency has carried out in the CARAGA Region on February 20-24.

DSWD Undersecretary for Operations and Promotive Programs Malou Turalde – Jarabe represented the Department during the event, which was also attended by Cabinet officials and representatives from affected mining communities. DSWD-Field Office (FO) CARAGA Officer-in-Charge Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim also graced the event together with other field office staff.

According to Usec. Turalde, it is important to support all initiatives that directly and concretely protect the environment.

“Ang tunay na malasakit ay may pangmatagalang tanaw sa interes ng mamamayan. Suportahan po natin ang mga hakbangin na nangangalaga sa kalikasan at sa pangmatagalang interes ng mamamayan (True compassion involves consideration of the interest of the public. Let us support every initiative that protects the environment and advances the interest of the Filipino people),” Usec. Turalde said.

The Undersecretary also had a chance to check the different mining areas in Surigao. Aboard the Huey Helicopter of the Philippine Air Force, Usec. Turalde saw the destructive impact of open-pit mining in the province.

“Kitang-kita mula sa helicopter hindi lang ang pagkakalbo ng kagubatan kundi ang pagkasira at pagkawala mismo ng kabundukan bunga ng open-pit mining na pinahihintulutan ng Mining Act of 1995. Karamihan rin ng lugar ng pagmimina ay matatagpuan sa mga watershed kung saan nagmumula ang tubig mula sa mga bukal, sapa at ilog (It can be seen from the helicopter the evidence of deforestation as a result of open-pit mining, which is permitted under the Mining Act of 1995. Majority of mining operations are in watersheds where the water at brooks and rivers flow from),” she shared.

DENR Sec. Gina Lopez earlier said that mining operations at watersheds should not be permitted as it will result to the deterioration of natural water supplies and reforestation, which will lead to flashfloods and landslides.

The community consultation of the DENR kicked off in the CARAGA region, where majority of mining operations that were ordered closed by the DENR are located. The goal of the exercise is to assist the communities and households affected by the mining audit, ensuring that they will be able to transition well from being mining workers to empowered social entrepreneurs.

In the meantime, DSWD Sec. Judy M. Taguiwalo also expressed support for DENR Sec. Lopez’ initiatives to put a stop to destructive mining operations in the country and to discipline mining corporations that violate provisions on environmental protection.

“We laud the efforts of Sec. Lopez to stand up against destructive mining practices. It is high time that concrete actions are made to stop the destruction of the country’s natural environment and the depletion of the country’s resources. Sec. Lopez’s actions should be supported by all Filipinos who want to save the environment and protect what resources our country has left and preserve them for future generations. What we need are genuine, pro-environment policies that will be stringently implemented. We must all stand firm and unite to stop operations that lead to the ravaged forests, levelled mountains, and poisoned rivers and lakes. Future generations of Filipinos will inherit a country with an all but destroyed natural environment if we do not take action now,” she said. #