No to MIning in Catanduanes

We, the people of CATANDUANES ISLAND, Philippines:

Proud of its heritage, and aware and most thankful to God for the blessing of rich natural resources, possessing the last largest remaining natural forest cover of in Bicol Peninsula Eco Region, host of various endemic biodiversity species, and is listed by the Department of Environment Natural Resources as one of the most important area for Biodiversity although receives no protection from the Government.

That most recently, multinational firms had expressed interest over the rich natural resources of our small island especially its rich coal deposits buried under its mountains and forested areas.

That Monte Oro Resources Energy Inc, which ownership is linked to business tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., had been awarded by the DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes permits for 7,000 hectares and 8,000 hectares of forest land to explore and extract coal in the province of Catanduanes without public consultation, Environmental Clearance Certificate, and in blatant violation of pertinent provisions of Republic Act 7076, the fact that Catanduanes, and its municipalities has no Local Mining Regulatory Boards that will ensure protection of its local environment and interest of its people.
(SEE http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20090818-220795/Church-hits-big-coal-mine-project )

That despite voiced opposition of the people, the local governments, and the Churches, Secretary Reyes remains moronically defiant, insensitive to the sentiments of the people of this small island, continuously disregards and dismisses the fears and concerns of the Catanduanes folks, remains mum on it creating the impression that people of Catanduanes deserves not a single minute of the precious time of Secretary Reyes for explanation.

That allowing the Monte Oro Resources Energy Inc to explore and extract coal in its intended mining area in Catanduanes will encroach upon the remaining 60,000 hectares of primary forest land of the Island, disturb its already fragile biodiversity, open its mountains to further exploitation since roads will be constructed to and fro the mining site, accelerate deforestations, aggravate landslides, pollute its rivers and the seas of its mine tailings, deprive its island of its water resources , and forever change the face of the once pristine Island from that of polluted oneall that so the Monte Oro Mining Corporation can earn 6.2 Billion pesos in five years of exploration through the collusion of Secretary Reyes (3\% of which for the National Government), LGUs to earn P9 million from taxes, and expected job generation costing P10million.

WE THEREFORE, ESPECIALLY THE YOUNG GENERATION OF CATANDUNGANONS REPRESENTED BY THE GROUP OF ENVIRONMENT ENTHUSIASTS OF CATANDUANES, INC., MOUNTAINEERING AND OUTDOOR CLUB (Green Cat), (SEE http://greencat_inc.tripod.com/index.htm )
EXPRESSES IN THE MOST STRONGEST TERMS our opposition to the actions of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources headed by Secretary Angelo Reyes granting permit, without prior peoples consultations, in disregard of the people of Catanduanes, and in violation of the law, to the Monte Oro Resources Energy, Inc., to explore and extract coal and deposits from the island of Catanduanes.
EXPRESSES IN THE MOST URGENT TERMS our plea to other environmentalists, Kababayans, government officials, NGOs, fellow mountaineers, fellow Filipinos, other concerned people, to help us voice our sentiments and pleas by signing this online petition for the DENR to reconsider their decisions on the impending rape of our small island.
EXPRESSES OUR MOST SINCERE DESIRE that our island be protected from these rapist, and allow our people and the generation to come to live and enjoy the simplicity of life, amidst the pristine beauty and abundance of our blessed small island.
SHOUTS OUR LOUDEST CRY FOR HELP!