NO TO EXPLORATION AND MINING IN ROMBLON PHILIPPINES

We, the undersigned, an online community with a common heritage and love for the province of Romblon would like to petition the Office of the President, the Office of the Secretary of DENR, the Office of the Congressman in the Lone District of Romblon, the Office of the Governor, the Chamber of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Romblon, Mayors and Vice Mayors League of Romblon, Councilors League of Romblon to please stop any form of exploration and mining in the whole province of Romblon. NoMiningInRomblon.org (a Facebook based group of Romblomanons all over the world) along with SAM (Sibuyanon Against Mining), Romblon State University's ASAM (Alliance of Students Against Mining) and REFAM (Romblon Ecumenical Forum Against Mining) are all one in saying NO TO EXPLORATION AND MINING IN ROMBLON PHILIPPINES. Recently, Ivanhoe Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. of Canada has applied for mining permit to explore approximately 14,000 hectares of land in the mountainous region of Tablas Island in the province of Romblon. It encompasses the following municipalities, namely, Sta. Maria, Alcantara, Looc, Odiongan in the south and San Andres, Calatrava and San Agustin in the northern part of the island. The area covers critical watershed and forest reserves that provide vital water supply to agriculture, small industries and tap water for human consumption. Our watershed areas also provide protection against flash floods that have become a common problem in the lowland areas. Mining is a SPIRITUAL and MORAL issue. The history of mining in the Philippines is replete with ecological disaster such as mine tailings in the island of Marinduque, waste spillage in Negros Occidental, Benguet and many others. Mining damage/disaster is not only limited to the environment but also to mankind. The devastating impact on the health and livelihood on affected communities is beyond imagination. We strongly dispute the suggestion that mining will improve the economy and lives of every Romblomanon. Yes, probably on a short term basis. But looking at 10, 20 or 30 years down the line, we guarantee you that Romblomanon will all look miserable and hapless because of the environmental damage to our island. Therefore, we say NO TO EXPLORATION AND MINING IN ROMBLON! and YES TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT! e-signed: NGO's and concerned citizens of Romblon