Imee: No to black sand mining

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

LAOAG CITY—“We do not allow and support any black sand mining project in the province.”

This was the reply of Ilocos Norte Gov. Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos to the letter of Laoag Bishop Renato Mayugba on the issue on whether to allow back sand mining in the province or not.

The governor’s letter, dated June 9 and addressed to Bishop Mayugba, has assured the Ilocos Norte government’s commitment to counter black sand mining activity in an effort to “preserve and protect God’s wonderful creations, mindful of the divine mandate to safeguard nature and our people.”

In October 2013, the provincial government through the initiative of Ms. Marcos and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed Provincial Resolution No. 016-2013 which completely bans black sand mining in the province. Said resolution, authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Joel Garcia. The resolution not only prohibits the issuance of permits but also urges the recall of permits already issued.

But for some reasons several months after the said manifestation of the provincial board was unanimously approved, the same board member has sponsored a new draft meant to lift the ban on black sand mining.

This prompted the Laoag bishop and all other multi-sectoral groups who are mostly concerned about the environment to make a unanimous stand and express their concerns to the provincial board in view a committee hearing conducted recently.

As a result, the provincial board has decided to “archive” Atty. Garcia’s new resolution until such time that there are “clear and honest to goodness guidelines to show that black sand mining does not harm the environment and its people in the long run”.

Like other concerned stakeholders, Bishop Mayugba has reiterated to the governor that “the adverse effects of black sand mining to our land and our people outweigh whatever financial gain we may gain” should local government units here allow black sand mining.