May 23. 2006
Defend Patrimony
Press Release
Legislators, Church and environmental groups back Bastes Commission; put forward an alternative mining policy
Environmental groups, Church people and legislators held a press conference today to show support to the Rapu-rapu Fact Finding Commission (RFFC) headed by Bishop Arturo Bastes and press for the implementation of the Commission's recommendations.
"The recommendation to permanently close Lafayette mining, rehabilitate the local ecosystem, compensate mining victims, and impose moratorium in Rapu-rapu is a significant gain for the people's struggle against mining plunder. For almost a decade now, we have been campaigning to assert these concerns," says Trixie Concepcion spokesperson of Defend Patrimony (DP). DP is a broad multisectoral alliance campaigning against mining liberalization.
"The Commission report further strengthened our call to scrap the pro-foreign transnational mining corporations (mining TNCs) and anti-environment Mining Act of 1995. It resounded our call to stop all the destructive large-scale mining projects of mining TNCs in the country. There is a great possibility that the mining tragedy happening now in in Rapu-rapu will occur in other government priority mining projects, but they will not have as much projection as the Rapu-rapu case, added Concepcion."
"President Gloria Arroyo and DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes should immediately implement the Commission's recommendations. The government should stop its dillydallying because the delay of its implementation further endangers the health and lives of the local communities," Ms. Concepcion demanded.
Repeal the Mining Act
Minority Floor Leader and Representative of 1st District of Sorsogon Francis Escudero and Bayan Muna Partylist Representative Joel Virador also voiced their support to the recommendations of Rapu-rapu Commission. Congressman Francis Escudero reiterated his call for the pull-out of Lafayette in Rapu-rapu and the call to Malacanang to listen to the Commission.
"We will use the findings of the RFFC in the on-going review of Mining Act. The RFFC has shown us more reasons to push for its repeal," says Bayan Muna Congressman Joel Virador. "With the mining liberalization framework of the Mining Act, and its intense pursuit by the Arroyo government, Lafayette has been allowed to hastily and unsafely operate on the mines in Rapu-rapu. Not only did they violate environmental laws but also tried to cheat the government of additional income and taxes, this in spite of several economic incentives and privileges given to them. If Lafayette is the government mining showcase, how then is the performance of its other priority projects?"
Alternative Mining Policy
The DP is also lobbying for an alternative mining policy framework to replace the "mining revitalization" of the Mining Act. The group earlier submitted their "People's Mining Policy" to the Lower House. This was said to be a result of a series of national and regional consultations conferences, involving indigenous peoples, mining-affected communities, mine workers, church people, scientists and environmentalists. "We are forwarding an alternative mining policy framework to replace the current mining liberalization. We believe this will ensure the protection of the environment and will surely lead to economic development. This alternative policy framework will not ban foreign investments but their operations will be strictly regulated and made to conform with a strategic plan of the government to industrialize the nation. Mining and National Industrialization will be primarily oriented towards meeting domestic needs and economic development instead of the needs of the international market," explained Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of environmental activist group Kalikasan-PNE.
Local livelihood and mining campaign
The groups also belie the claim of Lafayette that there will be a big economic backlash on the local communities when the company totally shuts down.
"There is no truth that Lafayette now is employing 1,000 people. Currently there is less than 700 people that were hired by the company and most of them are contractual and construction workers. After the construction, only 280 people will be hired by the company. Fishing and farming are still the primary livelihood and source of income of the local populace," says by Antonio Casetas, Chairman of Sagip Isla, local organization in Rapu-rapu islands opposing the operation of Lafayette.
"Mas maginhawa ang aming kabuhayan noong wala pa ang Lafayette at siguradong kaya naming maghanapbuhay kung sila ay mapapalayas, kasama na ang pagkawala lasong kanilang ikinalat. Nagpapasalamat kami sa Commission sa kanilang pakikinig sa amin at paglalabas ng katotohanan hinggil sa pagmimina ng Lafayette. Hindi kami uurong sa aming pakikibaka. Palalakasin pa namin ang aming kampanya hanggang tuluyan mapaalis ang Lafayette at sagipin ang aming isla sa pagkawasak, (Life was better before Lafayette came to the island. Surely, we can survive without them and the pollution they created. We are thankful to the Commission in exposing the truth about Lafayette entry and operation in our island. We will not waver in our struggle. We will further intensify our campaign to realize the pull-out of Lafayette and save our island and communities from destruction.) " concluded Mr. Casetas.###
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Activists groups press for the implementation Rapu-rapu Commission's recommendations
May 22. 2006
Defend Patrimony
Press Release
Activists groups press for the implementation Rapu-rapu Commission's recommendations
"Malacanang will be doing a greater disservice to the country if it would not swiftly implement the recommendations of the Rapu-rapu Fact Finding Commission. By issuing statements negating the findings and conclusions of the Commission, it exposes itself to be a mere lackey of Lafayette Philippines Inc (LPI) and other transnational mining companies in the country," says Trixie Concepcion, spokesperson of Defend Patrimony (DP). DP is a broad multisectoral alliance campaigning against the large-scale mining projects of the government.it should not dilly-dally on the mining issue in Rapu-rapu island.
The Commission interviewed key officials of the mining company, the government, academe and NGOs. It scrutinized the mining related studies of the UP-Natural Science Research Institute (NSRI), the Center for Environmental Concerns- Philippines (CEC), the Philippine Institute of Pure and Applied Chemistry (PIPAC), the UP-PGH Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic resources (BFAR), the Institute for Environmental Conservation and Research (INECAR), Department of Health and other government agencies.
"What is it in the report that is unscientific and without basis? Is it not enough for the Arroyo administration that Lafayette was found willfully violating environmental safety standards, falsifying legal documents and cheating the government of taxes to revoke their mining agreement?," asked Concepcion.
"The anomalies the Commission discovered in the operations of Lafayette Mining, is enough grounds to review the Mining Act of 1995. The commission is not out of bounds in its recommendation to review the law. It is in fact, another reminder for it to finally make real the public commitment made by President Arroyo, House Speaker Jose de Venecia, and Executive Secretary Michael Defensor to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) last February. The fact that the Mining Act's 11-years of implementation failed to revive the ailing industry, rehabilitate and or prevent several mining disasters like in Marinduque, Negros, and Rapu-rapu is a basis not only for its review but for scrapping it," says Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of environmental activist group Kalikasan-PNE.
"The permanent closure of Lafayette and moratorium of mining in Rapu-rapu will eliminate the "clear and present" danger obtaining in the island. It is high time for the government to put first the welfare of the environment and the people before the interest of foreign mining companies. It should likewise put into motion the other recommendations of the Commission, particularly, setting up of a People's Health and Environmental Protection Fund, conducting comprehensive health impact assessment, compensating the mining disaster victims, and rehabilitating the island ecosystem, added Bautista," ###
Reference:
Trixie Concepcion, Clemente Bautista
Kalikasan-People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE)
No.26 Matulungin St. Bgy, Central, Quezon City, Philippines 1100
Tel. No. +63-2-9248756 Fax No. +63-2-9209099
Defend Patrimony
Press Release
Activists groups press for the implementation Rapu-rapu Commission's recommendations
"Malacanang will be doing a greater disservice to the country if it would not swiftly implement the recommendations of the Rapu-rapu Fact Finding Commission. By issuing statements negating the findings and conclusions of the Commission, it exposes itself to be a mere lackey of Lafayette Philippines Inc (LPI) and other transnational mining companies in the country," says Trixie Concepcion, spokesperson of Defend Patrimony (DP). DP is a broad multisectoral alliance campaigning against the large-scale mining projects of the government.it should not dilly-dally on the mining issue in Rapu-rapu island.
The Commission interviewed key officials of the mining company, the government, academe and NGOs. It scrutinized the mining related studies of the UP-Natural Science Research Institute (NSRI), the Center for Environmental Concerns- Philippines (CEC), the Philippine Institute of Pure and Applied Chemistry (PIPAC), the UP-PGH Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic resources (BFAR), the Institute for Environmental Conservation and Research (INECAR), Department of Health and other government agencies.
"What is it in the report that is unscientific and without basis? Is it not enough for the Arroyo administration that Lafayette was found willfully violating environmental safety standards, falsifying legal documents and cheating the government of taxes to revoke their mining agreement?," asked Concepcion.
"The anomalies the Commission discovered in the operations of Lafayette Mining, is enough grounds to review the Mining Act of 1995. The commission is not out of bounds in its recommendation to review the law. It is in fact, another reminder for it to finally make real the public commitment made by President Arroyo, House Speaker Jose de Venecia, and Executive Secretary Michael Defensor to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) last February. The fact that the Mining Act's 11-years of implementation failed to revive the ailing industry, rehabilitate and or prevent several mining disasters like in Marinduque, Negros, and Rapu-rapu is a basis not only for its review but for scrapping it," says Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of environmental activist group Kalikasan-PNE.
"The permanent closure of Lafayette and moratorium of mining in Rapu-rapu will eliminate the "clear and present" danger obtaining in the island. It is high time for the government to put first the welfare of the environment and the people before the interest of foreign mining companies. It should likewise put into motion the other recommendations of the Commission, particularly, setting up of a People's Health and Environmental Protection Fund, conducting comprehensive health impact assessment, compensating the mining disaster victims, and rehabilitating the island ecosystem, added Bautista," ###
Reference:
Trixie Concepcion, Clemente Bautista
Kalikasan-People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan-PNE)
No.26 Matulungin St. Bgy, Central, Quezon City, Philippines 1100
Tel. No. +63-2-9248756 Fax No. +63-2-9209099
Colet Mines Presents 'Clear and Present Danger'
Colet Mines Presents 'Clear and Present Danger,' Mining Engineer Says
Contrary to its statement two weeks ago, Colet Mining and Development Corp. (CMDC) exploration and eventual mining operations present a "clear and present danger" to communities and the environment of Sipalay, Negros Occidental, asserts Efren Fabila, a long-time mining engineer and convenor of Defend Patrimony, a broad alliance against large-scale mining.
BY KARL G. OMBION, Bulatlat, Vol. VI, No. 13
May 7-13, 2006
BACOLOD CITY - Contrary to its statement two weeks ago, Colet Mining and Development Corp. (CMDC) exploration and eventual mining operations present a "clear and present danger" to communities and the environment of Sipalay, Negros Occidental, asserts Efren Fabila, a long-time mining engineer and convenor of Defend Patrimony, a broad alliance against large-scale mining.
"It is typical for consultants like Mr. Lincoln Drilon who have not made a thorough field investigation of the situation to easily dismiss the findings of the Environmental Investigation Mission (EIM) conducted by Defend Patrimony in the area," Fabila said.
Fabila explained that the water from these two creeks registers a high acidity pH of 3.2. The upstream water of Sipalay River on the other hand where the two creeks meet registers a basic pH of 8. These waters flow along the same rich mineral area, yet there is a big difference in the pH reading. Fabila said it is because Mantuboy and Caiwanan Creeks are active depository sites of CMDC's drillings.
Fabila also said rich mineral deposits in their natural state do not cause high water acidity. The phenomenon of acid mine drainage happens when sulfide ores are exposed - in this case, allegedly due to extensive earthworks activities by Colet - and oxidized. The leaching process then starts and the water turns acidic.
The Mantuboy and Caiwanan Creeks exemplify biologically dead creeks with no living aquatic organisms and the wilting of coconut trees along the creeks indicates a high level of water pollution of the waters, Fabila added.
Fabila also said the construction of road networks and drill pads by CMDC has resulted in massive land slide and bank erosion in some sections, which became the source of silt. In a flooding early this year, a one-hectare paddy downstream owned by a certain "Geori" was devastated due to silt deposition. The sediment ponds constructed by CMDC in their drilling sites are inadequate to mitigate siltation as most of the structures are already full which renders it a useless system, he said.
Defend Patrimony viewed CMDC's "reforestation project" as a "hypocritical public relations gimmick" which attempts to "soften the impact" of destruction, while projecting a "benevolent" corporate image of itself. The photographs taken around the area during the ocular survey indicate that reforestation was not extensive enough to effectively decrease the runoff in directly affected areas. Large track of open and barren lands still dominate the area.
"CMDC should have recognized that the value of reforestation lies in the reduction of runoffs and consequently mitigation of flashfloods," Defend Patrimony added. "It should aim to reforest 100 percent of the disturbed areas including the road network established. A high percentage reforestation of the total disturbed areas should have reflected the company's sincerity to protect the people downstream against expected catastrophe.
It also said that Drilon's claim that only 100 hectares out of the more than 2,000 hectares of the company's mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA) is polluted is "not enough assurance" to dispel the apprehensions of affected downstream populations.
"Mining pollution knows no boundaries," Defend Patrimony said. "(The) CMDC plans to use the open-pit mining method which will generate large volume of mine wastes. Assuming for the sake of discourse that once it operates, mine waste generated will reach 104 MMT, excluding mine tailings. Where will these mine wastes and tailings go? Certainly, the impacts will not be limited to 100 hectares."
The engineer further said that the Sipalay River is the major drainage way of the area in question. "It steadily drains into the alluvial fans and floodplains of Sipalay, outstretching towards the river delta which it finally settles, and eventually into the coastal areas," he said. "In fact, the delta and coast is the last most effective deposition area of sediments coming from the upstream section of Sipalay River."
"As the phenomenon of periodic river bed loading occurs in succession, surface soils are buried with silt and in parts colluvial material that hardens and renders agricultural lands a desolate landscape," he said. "In any eventuality, we are looking at a future cropland and wetland ecosystem of compacted sediments."
Fabila stressed that the construction of siltation and tailings pond does not guarantee that sediment deposits in the low lying areas can be mitigated, as exemplified by previous experiences of dike failure such as breaching and overtopping. "Drilon should learn from the experience of Maricalum Mining, which experienced dam failures way back in 1982 and 1996, of which the environmental and social impacts remain until today a legacy to the affected communities," he said.
Finally, Fabila said, the claim of CMDC allocating 10 percent of the $20-million investment for its environmental program has remained to be seen concretely. Mining companies are notorious for not paying the required fees. Maricalum mining for instance still owes the Sipalay City government more than P20 million ($388,274.12 based on a $1:P51.51 exchange rate as of May 5) in tax arrears and unsettled financial obligations to its terminated workers.
Fabila said mining operations, once decommissioned, leave behind unpaid financial liabilities to the workers, local government units and the national government, while the communities bear the brunt of social and environmental havoc caused by their mining operations.
The Mining Act of 1995 allows 100 percent repatriation of profits to foreign investors. Under such liberalized policy, mining companies tend to make super profits and leave immediately when situations get tougher. Placer Dome of Canada divested its share and interests in the Philippines right after the Marinduque mining disaster in 1996.
Contrary to its statement two weeks ago, Colet Mining and Development Corp. (CMDC) exploration and eventual mining operations present a "clear and present danger" to communities and the environment of Sipalay, Negros Occidental, asserts Efren Fabila, a long-time mining engineer and convenor of Defend Patrimony, a broad alliance against large-scale mining.
BY KARL G. OMBION, Bulatlat, Vol. VI, No. 13
May 7-13, 2006
BACOLOD CITY - Contrary to its statement two weeks ago, Colet Mining and Development Corp. (CMDC) exploration and eventual mining operations present a "clear and present danger" to communities and the environment of Sipalay, Negros Occidental, asserts Efren Fabila, a long-time mining engineer and convenor of Defend Patrimony, a broad alliance against large-scale mining.
"It is typical for consultants like Mr. Lincoln Drilon who have not made a thorough field investigation of the situation to easily dismiss the findings of the Environmental Investigation Mission (EIM) conducted by Defend Patrimony in the area," Fabila said.
Fabila explained that the water from these two creeks registers a high acidity pH of 3.2. The upstream water of Sipalay River on the other hand where the two creeks meet registers a basic pH of 8. These waters flow along the same rich mineral area, yet there is a big difference in the pH reading. Fabila said it is because Mantuboy and Caiwanan Creeks are active depository sites of CMDC's drillings.
Fabila also said rich mineral deposits in their natural state do not cause high water acidity. The phenomenon of acid mine drainage happens when sulfide ores are exposed - in this case, allegedly due to extensive earthworks activities by Colet - and oxidized. The leaching process then starts and the water turns acidic.
The Mantuboy and Caiwanan Creeks exemplify biologically dead creeks with no living aquatic organisms and the wilting of coconut trees along the creeks indicates a high level of water pollution of the waters, Fabila added.
Fabila also said the construction of road networks and drill pads by CMDC has resulted in massive land slide and bank erosion in some sections, which became the source of silt. In a flooding early this year, a one-hectare paddy downstream owned by a certain "Geori" was devastated due to silt deposition. The sediment ponds constructed by CMDC in their drilling sites are inadequate to mitigate siltation as most of the structures are already full which renders it a useless system, he said.
Defend Patrimony viewed CMDC's "reforestation project" as a "hypocritical public relations gimmick" which attempts to "soften the impact" of destruction, while projecting a "benevolent" corporate image of itself. The photographs taken around the area during the ocular survey indicate that reforestation was not extensive enough to effectively decrease the runoff in directly affected areas. Large track of open and barren lands still dominate the area.
"CMDC should have recognized that the value of reforestation lies in the reduction of runoffs and consequently mitigation of flashfloods," Defend Patrimony added. "It should aim to reforest 100 percent of the disturbed areas including the road network established. A high percentage reforestation of the total disturbed areas should have reflected the company's sincerity to protect the people downstream against expected catastrophe.
It also said that Drilon's claim that only 100 hectares out of the more than 2,000 hectares of the company's mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA) is polluted is "not enough assurance" to dispel the apprehensions of affected downstream populations.
"Mining pollution knows no boundaries," Defend Patrimony said. "(The) CMDC plans to use the open-pit mining method which will generate large volume of mine wastes. Assuming for the sake of discourse that once it operates, mine waste generated will reach 104 MMT, excluding mine tailings. Where will these mine wastes and tailings go? Certainly, the impacts will not be limited to 100 hectares."
The engineer further said that the Sipalay River is the major drainage way of the area in question. "It steadily drains into the alluvial fans and floodplains of Sipalay, outstretching towards the river delta which it finally settles, and eventually into the coastal areas," he said. "In fact, the delta and coast is the last most effective deposition area of sediments coming from the upstream section of Sipalay River."
"As the phenomenon of periodic river bed loading occurs in succession, surface soils are buried with silt and in parts colluvial material that hardens and renders agricultural lands a desolate landscape," he said. "In any eventuality, we are looking at a future cropland and wetland ecosystem of compacted sediments."
Fabila stressed that the construction of siltation and tailings pond does not guarantee that sediment deposits in the low lying areas can be mitigated, as exemplified by previous experiences of dike failure such as breaching and overtopping. "Drilon should learn from the experience of Maricalum Mining, which experienced dam failures way back in 1982 and 1996, of which the environmental and social impacts remain until today a legacy to the affected communities," he said.
Finally, Fabila said, the claim of CMDC allocating 10 percent of the $20-million investment for its environmental program has remained to be seen concretely. Mining companies are notorious for not paying the required fees. Maricalum mining for instance still owes the Sipalay City government more than P20 million ($388,274.12 based on a $1:P51.51 exchange rate as of May 5) in tax arrears and unsettled financial obligations to its terminated workers.
Fabila said mining operations, once decommissioned, leave behind unpaid financial liabilities to the workers, local government units and the national government, while the communities bear the brunt of social and environmental havoc caused by their mining operations.
The Mining Act of 1995 allows 100 percent repatriation of profits to foreign investors. Under such liberalized policy, mining companies tend to make super profits and leave immediately when situations get tougher. Placer Dome of Canada divested its share and interests in the Philippines right after the Marinduque mining disaster in 1996.
“30 pieces of silver mentality”
Panalipdan! Mindanao
Press Statement
May 23, 2006
Government’s “30 pieces of silver mentality” on Rapu-rapu report gives nod to mining disasters across the country
We detest the Arroyo government’s rejection of the report of the independent commission investigating the Lafayette mine spills in Rapu-rapu island.
Blinded by the glare of mining investments, Arroyo is willing to sell out the environment and patrimony for “30 pieces of silver”. We fear that Arroyo’s message tells mining companies that they can do about their operations without regard for the environment because government acts as their guarantor for any kind of misconduct.
The Commission drew its findings from studies of various units of the University of the Philippines, non-government organizations with expertise on environmental cases, the Department of Health and other government agencies. It also reportedly interviewed key officials of Lafayette. Malacanang’s negation of the Commission’s findings renders futile all attempts to independently probe similar cases in the future since government can readily bail out these “mining companies in distress.”
This policy of ‘environmental impunity’ will most likely pervade the 11 priority mining projects in Mindanao, an island whose environment has already seen wanton destruction from massive logging, tree plantations, and agribusiness plantations.
Mining TNCs now doing operations in Mindanao are the first and the loudest to cheer Malacanang’s ‘no mining ban’ policy. They are TVI and Sagittarius Mines Inc. TVI is facing stiff opposition from the Subanen of Mt. Canatuan in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. SMI, the new face of the hated Western Mining Corporation, has been virtually condemned by the people of SOCSKARGEN led by 3 Catholic bishops. Clearly, Arroyo has just emboldened these companies to skirt the strong, serious, and legitimate environmental, health, human rights, ancestral land rights, and other social issues hurled by the peoples of Mindanao against these mining TNCs.
When Pres. Arroyo rejected the report of the commission led by Bishop Arturo Bastes, she made it clear to all that accountability of mining TNCs for environmental destruction can be subordinated to the hyped economic benefits they supposedly bring.
In truth, mining transnational corporations bring in little monetary benefits compared to the loss of patrimony, destruction to the environment, eviction of indigenous peoples from their ancestral domains, and the easing out of small scale miners.
Secretary Ignacio Bunye can not certainly make fools of us when he said that banning largescale mining would be “a disservice to our people if our full mineral potential is not realized as this is clearly a source of employment and development.” Our mining industry is extractive and export-oriented and does not meet our demands for genuine national development. So, the development that Bunye is referring to does not redound to the Filipino people; he means fattening the pockets of global mining giants.
What this government means to say with the negation of the Bastes report is that it shall never review nor scrap the Mining Act of 1995 because Arroyo can not simply abandon her servility to the interests of mining TNCs. Her “30 pieces of silver mentality” on the Bastes report marks this glaring treachery.#
Sr. Ma. Carmen Diane T. Cabasagan, RGS
Initiator
Panalipdan! Mindanao
(Defenders and Advocates for the Environment, Creation, and Patrimony)
Mobile No. 09209523604
Office Address:
Rm. 101, Kalinaw Center for Interfaith Resources
Francisco Avenue, Matina, 8000 Davao City
Tel. 082 299-4964
Press Statement
May 23, 2006
Government’s “30 pieces of silver mentality” on Rapu-rapu report gives nod to mining disasters across the country
We detest the Arroyo government’s rejection of the report of the independent commission investigating the Lafayette mine spills in Rapu-rapu island.
Blinded by the glare of mining investments, Arroyo is willing to sell out the environment and patrimony for “30 pieces of silver”. We fear that Arroyo’s message tells mining companies that they can do about their operations without regard for the environment because government acts as their guarantor for any kind of misconduct.
The Commission drew its findings from studies of various units of the University of the Philippines, non-government organizations with expertise on environmental cases, the Department of Health and other government agencies. It also reportedly interviewed key officials of Lafayette. Malacanang’s negation of the Commission’s findings renders futile all attempts to independently probe similar cases in the future since government can readily bail out these “mining companies in distress.”
This policy of ‘environmental impunity’ will most likely pervade the 11 priority mining projects in Mindanao, an island whose environment has already seen wanton destruction from massive logging, tree plantations, and agribusiness plantations.
Mining TNCs now doing operations in Mindanao are the first and the loudest to cheer Malacanang’s ‘no mining ban’ policy. They are TVI and Sagittarius Mines Inc. TVI is facing stiff opposition from the Subanen of Mt. Canatuan in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. SMI, the new face of the hated Western Mining Corporation, has been virtually condemned by the people of SOCSKARGEN led by 3 Catholic bishops. Clearly, Arroyo has just emboldened these companies to skirt the strong, serious, and legitimate environmental, health, human rights, ancestral land rights, and other social issues hurled by the peoples of Mindanao against these mining TNCs.
When Pres. Arroyo rejected the report of the commission led by Bishop Arturo Bastes, she made it clear to all that accountability of mining TNCs for environmental destruction can be subordinated to the hyped economic benefits they supposedly bring.
In truth, mining transnational corporations bring in little monetary benefits compared to the loss of patrimony, destruction to the environment, eviction of indigenous peoples from their ancestral domains, and the easing out of small scale miners.
Secretary Ignacio Bunye can not certainly make fools of us when he said that banning largescale mining would be “a disservice to our people if our full mineral potential is not realized as this is clearly a source of employment and development.” Our mining industry is extractive and export-oriented and does not meet our demands for genuine national development. So, the development that Bunye is referring to does not redound to the Filipino people; he means fattening the pockets of global mining giants.
What this government means to say with the negation of the Bastes report is that it shall never review nor scrap the Mining Act of 1995 because Arroyo can not simply abandon her servility to the interests of mining TNCs. Her “30 pieces of silver mentality” on the Bastes report marks this glaring treachery.#
Sr. Ma. Carmen Diane T. Cabasagan, RGS
Initiator
Panalipdan! Mindanao
(Defenders and Advocates for the Environment, Creation, and Patrimony)
Mobile No. 09209523604
Office Address:
Rm. 101, Kalinaw Center for Interfaith Resources
Francisco Avenue, Matina, 8000 Davao City
Tel. 082 299-4964
Friday, February 10, 2006
Predicting malaria epidemecs
Watching weather could predict malaria epidemics
Spraying insecticide to ward off malaria-carrying mosquitoes
Zablon Odhiambo
1 February 2006
Source: SciDev.Net
[NAIROBI] Malaria epidemics could be predicted up to five months ahead
using a special combination of climate models, say researchers.
In a study published by Nature today (1 February), Tim Palmer of the
UK-based European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts and
colleagues say the predictions could be used to strategically target
insecticides and drugs to regions at risk of an outbreak.
The study was based on an early-warning system developed by Botswana's
National Malaria Control Programme. The system uses information about
rainfall, health surveillance and the population's vulnerability to
malaria to detect unusual changes in seasonal patterns of disease.
By using a combination of climate models, Palmer's team eliminated
uncertainties in the system's predictions. To prove their new approach,
they tried retrospectively predicting malaria epidemics in Botswana from
1982 to 2002.
The method showed "very substantial levels of predictive skill", says
Palmer.
The team found that the risk of an epidemic in Botswana rises just
after a season of heavy rainfall and that temperature and rainfall drive
the abundance of both mosquitoes and parasites.
"This study demonstrates that judicious use of climate information is
an important factor in reducing the impact of this devastating disease,"
says Charles Delacollette of the WHO Global Malaria Programme.
Palmer points out that his team's method only applies to areas where
malaria occurs in climate-related epidemics and not in areas where the
disease is a year-round problem.
Although epidemic malaria accounts for only a small proportion of cases
worldwide, it can be important at a regional level, contributing to a
significant rise of cases and deaths.
Following Botswana's lead, other countries in sub-Saharan Africa are
now developing early-warning systems.
"My colleagues are developing our methods for Zimbabwe, South Africa,
Swaziland and Zimbabwe," says Palmer. "Some research is being done for
the more complex terrain of Kenya, though here the results are less well
developed."
Sam Ocholla, head of malaria control at the Kenyan health ministry,
says a system they are piloting can detect epidemics within two weeks of
their onset, but cannot make accurate predictions.
"We are yet to find a model that is 100 per cent effective," he told
SciDev.Net.
"The link between climate and malaria incidence is more complex in
Kenya than in Botswana," explains Palmer.
"In Kenya, both seasonal temperature and seasonal rainfall are
important, whereas in Botswana seasonal rainfall is the single most important
variable, and the effects of temperature are minimal."
Spraying insecticide to ward off malaria-carrying mosquitoes
Zablon Odhiambo
1 February 2006
Source: SciDev.Net
[NAIROBI] Malaria epidemics could be predicted up to five months ahead
using a special combination of climate models, say researchers.
In a study published by Nature today (1 February), Tim Palmer of the
UK-based European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts and
colleagues say the predictions could be used to strategically target
insecticides and drugs to regions at risk of an outbreak.
The study was based on an early-warning system developed by Botswana's
National Malaria Control Programme. The system uses information about
rainfall, health surveillance and the population's vulnerability to
malaria to detect unusual changes in seasonal patterns of disease.
By using a combination of climate models, Palmer's team eliminated
uncertainties in the system's predictions. To prove their new approach,
they tried retrospectively predicting malaria epidemics in Botswana from
1982 to 2002.
The method showed "very substantial levels of predictive skill", says
Palmer.
The team found that the risk of an epidemic in Botswana rises just
after a season of heavy rainfall and that temperature and rainfall drive
the abundance of both mosquitoes and parasites.
"This study demonstrates that judicious use of climate information is
an important factor in reducing the impact of this devastating disease,"
says Charles Delacollette of the WHO Global Malaria Programme.
Palmer points out that his team's method only applies to areas where
malaria occurs in climate-related epidemics and not in areas where the
disease is a year-round problem.
Although epidemic malaria accounts for only a small proportion of cases
worldwide, it can be important at a regional level, contributing to a
significant rise of cases and deaths.
Following Botswana's lead, other countries in sub-Saharan Africa are
now developing early-warning systems.
"My colleagues are developing our methods for Zimbabwe, South Africa,
Swaziland and Zimbabwe," says Palmer. "Some research is being done for
the more complex terrain of Kenya, though here the results are less well
developed."
Sam Ocholla, head of malaria control at the Kenyan health ministry,
says a system they are piloting can detect epidemics within two weeks of
their onset, but cannot make accurate predictions.
"We are yet to find a model that is 100 per cent effective," he told
SciDev.Net.
"The link between climate and malaria incidence is more complex in
Kenya than in Botswana," explains Palmer.
"In Kenya, both seasonal temperature and seasonal rainfall are
important, whereas in Botswana seasonal rainfall is the single most important
variable, and the effects of temperature are minimal."
Deforestation causes malaria
Amazon studies link malaria to deforestation
Both studies found that deforestation increases the risk of malaria
transmission
Luisa Massarani and Mike Shanahan
30 January 2006
Source: SciDev.Net
[RIO DE JANEIRO] Two studies in the Amazon rainforest have shown a link
between deforestation and an increased risk of malaria. The findings
have implications for health management and environmental policy in the
region.
According to research published today (30 January), the clearing of
trees in Brazil's Amazon region to create new settlements increases the
short-term risk of malaria by creating areas of standing water in which
mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
The study, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, also
found that once agriculture and urban development are established in
frontier regions, this habitat declines and malaria transmission rates fall.
"Malaria mitigation strategies for frontier settlements require a
combination of preventive and curative methods and close collaboration
between the health and agricultural sectors," say the team led by Marcia
Caldas de Castro of the University of South Carolina, United States.
The study comes less than a month after one in neighbouring Peru showed
that malaria epidemics in the Amazon were linked to deforestation. The
findings appeared in January's issue of the American Journal of
Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
The study showed that the biting rate of Anopheles darlingi, the
Amazon's main malaria-spreading mosquito, was nearly 300 times greater in
cleared areas than forested ones.
"Most people think malaria is on the rise simply because the mosquito
feeds on the increasing numbers of humans in the rainforest. But our
results show that altering the landscape likely plays an even larger role
than people moving into the jungle", says lead researcher Jonathan
Patz, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States.
Patz says the fact that deforestation may affect the prevalence of a
disease like malaria raises some larger issues.
"I feel conservation policy is one and the same with public health
policy. It's probable that protected conservation areas may ultimately be
an important tool in our disease prevention strategies," he says.
Both studies found that deforestation increases the risk of malaria
transmission
Luisa Massarani and Mike Shanahan
30 January 2006
Source: SciDev.Net
[RIO DE JANEIRO] Two studies in the Amazon rainforest have shown a link
between deforestation and an increased risk of malaria. The findings
have implications for health management and environmental policy in the
region.
According to research published today (30 January), the clearing of
trees in Brazil's Amazon region to create new settlements increases the
short-term risk of malaria by creating areas of standing water in which
mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
The study, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, also
found that once agriculture and urban development are established in
frontier regions, this habitat declines and malaria transmission rates fall.
"Malaria mitigation strategies for frontier settlements require a
combination of preventive and curative methods and close collaboration
between the health and agricultural sectors," say the team led by Marcia
Caldas de Castro of the University of South Carolina, United States.
The study comes less than a month after one in neighbouring Peru showed
that malaria epidemics in the Amazon were linked to deforestation. The
findings appeared in January's issue of the American Journal of
Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
The study showed that the biting rate of Anopheles darlingi, the
Amazon's main malaria-spreading mosquito, was nearly 300 times greater in
cleared areas than forested ones.
"Most people think malaria is on the rise simply because the mosquito
feeds on the increasing numbers of humans in the rainforest. But our
results show that altering the landscape likely plays an even larger role
than people moving into the jungle", says lead researcher Jonathan
Patz, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States.
Patz says the fact that deforestation may affect the prevalence of a
disease like malaria raises some larger issues.
"I feel conservation policy is one and the same with public health
policy. It's probable that protected conservation areas may ultimately be
an important tool in our disease prevention strategies," he says.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Scrap Mining Act!
January 31, 2005
"Filipinos will gain so much and nothing to lose in scrapping the
Mining Act"
"There is no truth that the foreign mining investment is helping the
economy. The millions of dollars investment poured in mining until now do
not generate income to the government and to the people. Under the
liberalization policies of the government, foreigners are allowed to
exploit our mineral resources at a bargain. What actually happening are the
fast depletion of our mineral resources by foreign transnational mining
companies (mining TNCs) and the looming danger of environmental
tragedies all over the country," said Clemente Bautista of Defend Patrimony.
Defend Patrimony is multi-sectoral alliance campaigning against the
mining liberalization and large-scale mining projects of the government.
Yesterday, Malacanang and big mining business said the repeal of Mining
Act and cancellation of mining permits being called by CBCP will create
economic backlash to the country.
"The statement of Benjamin Romualdez that cancellation of operations
and projects of mining TNC's projects and operations will displace 10
million people is mere hot air. The mining industry up to now dismally
employs less than 1% (120,000) of the labor force and most of these are
from the small scale mining and quarrying. In terms of Gross National
Product (GNP), the contribution of mining industry is just less than
2%," added by Mr. Bautista.
Defend Patrimony said that the real reason why foreign investors are
coming into the mining industry is because the government have granted
them economic privileges and rights such as 100% repatriation of capital
and profit, 5 to 9 years of income tax holidays, duty free
importation, and rights to water and timber.
"These privileges and rights allowed mining TNCs to extract and export
billion dollars worth of minerals annually while the people are left
with pollution, toxic waste and health hazards from mining operations.
The mine tragedies in Marinduque, Negros Oreintal and Samar are some
living proof of this mining devastation. We have so much to gain and
nothing to lose if we cancel the large-scale mining projects of mining TNCs
and scrap the Mining Act."
Defend Patrimony are working with Bayan Muna and Sen. Jamby Madrigal to
repeal the Mining Act of 1995. They are also proposing the formulation
of Alternative People's Mining Policy that will serve as the framework
of mining development for genuine economic progress and environmental
protection.###
"Filipinos will gain so much and nothing to lose in scrapping the
Mining Act"
"There is no truth that the foreign mining investment is helping the
economy. The millions of dollars investment poured in mining until now do
not generate income to the government and to the people. Under the
liberalization policies of the government, foreigners are allowed to
exploit our mineral resources at a bargain. What actually happening are the
fast depletion of our mineral resources by foreign transnational mining
companies (mining TNCs) and the looming danger of environmental
tragedies all over the country," said Clemente Bautista of Defend Patrimony.
Defend Patrimony is multi-sectoral alliance campaigning against the
mining liberalization and large-scale mining projects of the government.
Yesterday, Malacanang and big mining business said the repeal of Mining
Act and cancellation of mining permits being called by CBCP will create
economic backlash to the country.
"The statement of Benjamin Romualdez that cancellation of operations
and projects of mining TNC's projects and operations will displace 10
million people is mere hot air. The mining industry up to now dismally
employs less than 1% (120,000) of the labor force and most of these are
from the small scale mining and quarrying. In terms of Gross National
Product (GNP), the contribution of mining industry is just less than
2%," added by Mr. Bautista.
Defend Patrimony said that the real reason why foreign investors are
coming into the mining industry is because the government have granted
them economic privileges and rights such as 100% repatriation of capital
and profit, 5 to 9 years of income tax holidays, duty free
importation, and rights to water and timber.
"These privileges and rights allowed mining TNCs to extract and export
billion dollars worth of minerals annually while the people are left
with pollution, toxic waste and health hazards from mining operations.
The mine tragedies in Marinduque, Negros Oreintal and Samar are some
living proof of this mining devastation. We have so much to gain and
nothing to lose if we cancel the large-scale mining projects of mining TNCs
and scrap the Mining Act."
Defend Patrimony are working with Bayan Muna and Sen. Jamby Madrigal to
repeal the Mining Act of 1995. They are also proposing the formulation
of Alternative People's Mining Policy that will serve as the framework
of mining development for genuine economic progress and environmental
protection.###
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