MANILA, Sept. 13, 2012—Environmental groups and advocates will celebrate anti-mining solidarity week on September 17 to 21 to promote equitable development, environmental justice and integrity of Creation against any form of operation that destroys the environment and common resources.
Included in the week-long activity are exhibits on mining, picket and film showing, mobs/program at DENR, Sofitel and Mendiola, a press conference, roundtable discussion, ‘harana’ at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), among others.
Initiated by the Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) together with environmental and other human rights advocates including the CBCP-National Secretariat for Social Action, the groups are putting up the campaign to challenge the mining industry’s attempt to portray an image of pushing for ‘responsible mining’ in the changing context of Philippine governance under the Aquino administration.
The environmentalists would also seek to highlight during the week-long campaign the Tampakan issue as a case of irresponsible mining, how mining results in disasters related to climate change, and, to articulate resistance of the indigenous peoples (IP) who are asserting their rights against intrusion of mining.
The event is in response to annual International Conference on Mining this coming September 18-20 which is hosted by the Chamber of Mines with the theme “Shaping the Future of Philippine Mining” where the Chamber intends to underscore the industries priorities while managing its future in an environment that promises great opportunities for sustained development.
The week-long anti-mining campaign has the theme, ‘Pagmimina, Banta sa Buhay (Noon, Ngayong, at Samasisirang Kinabukasan-Marinduque Tradegy-Pacdal Spill-Tampakan). (Jandel Posion)
