Leaders from about 30 government and non-government organizations, people’s organization, church groups, media and the academe in Mindanao came together for the Mindanao Leaders Summit on Oct 6 to discuss recent mining issues and the development of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill.
The invited speakers were Gerry Arances of Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center Inc - Kasama sa Kalikasan (LRC-KsK) who shared about LRC-KsK’s ongoing anti-mining campaign in Congress, Cagayan de Oro 1st District Rep Rufus Rodriguez who talked about the CDO Watershed Bill, BAYAN MUNA Rep. Teddy Casiño who discussed the Consolidated Bill and its prospects, and on behalf of Rep. Arlene Bag-ao, Atty Jan Perry Eugenio who elaborated on the Alternative Minerals Management Bill.
Archbishop Antonio Ledesma SJ challenged Mindanao leaders to form an independent, multi-sectoral monitoring body that will periodically examine the actual state of mining and logging activities. He also called on them to initiate a comprehensive scientific study of the river basin and watersheds, especially in Cagayan de Oro and its adjoining tributaries.
On mining, Archbp Ledesma urged our leaders to broaden the meaning of “free, prior, and informed consent” and clarify the issue of environmental governance. He also exhorted them to invoke the precautionary principle, and put the safety of the larger community first.
The Mindanao leaders, together with Archbp Ledesma, Rep Rufus Rodriguez, and Rep Teddy Casiño, signed the petition supporting the Alternative Minerals Mining Bill, making a stand for mining-affected communities, the indigenous peoples, the environment, and the present and future generations.
Xavier University through the RSO units, namely Center for Legal Assistance, Engineering Resource Center, Kinaadman Research Center, NSTP and KKP – Social Involvement Office represented the academe.
The gathering was held at Balay Mindanao Peace Center and organized by the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, Philippine Misereor Partnership Incorporated - Mindanao, Samdhana Institute, XU Center for Legal Assistance, SOS – Yamang Bayan Network, and the LRC-KsK/Friends of the Earth-Philippines.