ENVIRONMENT and Natural Resources (DENR) office- in-charge Secretary Jim O. Sampulna has assured the residents of South Cotabato that the national government will respect the outcome of the public hearing called by the provincial board on the proposed amendments to the Environment Code, specifically on the provision lifting the ban on open-pit mining in the municipality of Tampakan.
Sampulna was invited by South Cotabato Vice Gov. Vicente De Jesus to the multi-sectoral consultation forum in Koronadal City last February 24 to provide technical information that will help the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) members decide on whether or not to lift the ban on open-pit mining.
"We are here to shed light upon the invitation of Vice Governor Vicente De Jesus," Sampulna said before the audience-packed auditorium representing all concerned sectors, including all the mayors in the province and former board members who framed the ordinance.
"We respect your rights," he said, even as he assured stakeholders that the general good of the people of South Cotabato is of utmost importance to the provincial government.
He expressed optimism that the DENR could contribute to a better appreciation of the advantages and disadvantages of the project, as well as help the SP members reach an informed decision when they cast their respective votes.
Meanwhile De Jesus, who also sits as the SP’s presiding officer, said the board unanimously agreed to conduct the public hearing before voting for amendments on the provisions of Ordinance 04, Series of 2010, entitled “An Ordinance Providing for the Environment Code of the Province of South Cotabato."
The ordinance was approved on June 9, 2010. It was affirmed by the SP on June 30, 2015, through the "South Cotabato Environment Code" or "A Resolution Affirming the Validity of Section 22(b) of Ordinance No. 04 Series of 2010."
Sampulna was joined by DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau Director Wilfredo Moncano, DENR-Environmental Management Bureau Director William Cuñado, and DENR-Region 12 Executive Director Felix Alicer during the consultation forum on February 24.
Tags: #openpitmining, #DENR, #publicconsultations, #environmentissue