Antique Pushes for 50-Year Mining Ban
ILOILO CITY – The Amlig Antique Alliance is calling for a 50-year mining ban in Antique, the home province of the new Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Raphael “Popo” Mercado Lotilla. This move aims to safeguard Antique’s ecological and cultural heritage from the proposed designation of 3,715 hectares across four towns as a mineral reservation by the DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
“We appeal to Secretary Lotilla’s conscience. He must reject the proposed mineral reserve and mining applications in the mountains of Antique,” said a local community leader representing the alliance.
The exact four word keyphrase, mining ban in Antique, has become central to the alliance’s campaign. They intensified their opposition following a recent Supreme Court ruling that lifted a mining ban in Mindoro.
Community Opposition and Petition Efforts
On May 28, the alliance formally submitted their petition to the Antique Provincial Board. This petition, which began as an online campaign on change.org, seeks to prevent MGB’s plan to declare parts of Patnongon, San Remigio, Valderrama, and Sibalom as a mineral reservation. The petition also warns against approving pending mining applications that could impact 53,000 hectares spanning 13 municipalities in mainland Antique.
Antique is also recognized for Semirara Island, a national mining reservation located in Caluya town. However, the community notes that the province has already suffered environmental damage due to extractive industries, pointing to the ecological devastation experienced in Semirara.
Protecting Ecology and Indigenous Lands
The alliance highlights Antique’s commitment to ecotourism and ecological balance, which they say clashes with the destructive nature of mining. They emphasize that Antique serves as an ecological sanctuary, home to endangered species like the Dulungan hornbill and Visayan spotted deer.
Furthermore, the mountains of Antique play a crucial role in climate resilience, helping to prevent severe flooding during tropical storms. They also provide vital watersheds that supply irrigation and potable water to local communities.
The ancestral lands of Indigenous Peoples such as the Ati and Iraynon Bukidnon are also at risk. Protecting these territories from further exploitation remains a key concern for the alliance.
Broad Support from Faith and Community Groups
Led by prominent local religious leaders, the Amlig Antique Alliance counts over 40 members from faith-based organizations, civil society groups, non-governmental organizations, farmers, fisherfolk, youth, and academic sectors among its supporters. These groups collectively advocate for the province’s protection against the adverse effects of mining.
The alliance’s efforts send a strong message to policymakers and the public that preserving Antique’s natural and cultural resources is critical for the province’s future.
For more news and updates on mining ban in Antique, visit Filipinokami.com.