Catbalogan City, Samar — In an exclusive interview with OpinYon, Jearim Sison Tumanda, Vice President of the Commoner's Society of Guiuan International Inc. and a well-known anti-mining advocate, expressed strong opposition to ongoing mining activities on several islands within the municipality of Guiuan. Tumanda, a dedicated pro-environment activist, highlighted the negative environmental and social impacts of these operations, especially on Homonhon and Manicani Islands.
Homonhon Island is being mined for nickel and chromite deposits, while Manicani Island, rich in nickel ore, has also become a target for extraction. Tumanda argues that these activities are highly destructive to the environment and bring little economic benefit to the local community. Instead, he noted that the mining operations have created social tensions and divisions within local families, with many residents concerned about the long-term effects on their land and livelihoods.
"These mining activities do more harm than good," said Tumanda. "Instead, they divide families and communities, leaving us with environmental damage that we will have to face long after the miners leave.”
He believes the best path forward for Guiuan’s growth lies in a strategic focus on Education, Agriculture, and Tourism—an approach he calls the “EAT” campaign, aimed at fostering sustainable development and long-term economic resilience for the town.
Environmental groups and local organizations have voiced similar concerns, rallying against the mining companies and questioning their commitment to sustainable practices.
On January 20, Bishop Crispin Varquez of the Diocese of Borongan led a "Jericho Walk" at the Immaculate Conception Parish Church in Guiuan, urging the Eastern Samar Provincial Government and DENR to deny all mining applications and activities in the town. In his Solidarity Message, Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone recalled that the mining companies in question are allegedly failing to pay real property taxes and lack transparency in the implementation and use of social protection and environmental rehabilitation funds.
Homonhon Island is not only rich in natural resources but also holds historical significance as the first landing site of Ferdinand Magellan's expedition in 1521, marking the beginning of the Philippines' integration into world history.
Guiuan, a second-class municipality in Eastern Samar, is well-known for its historical and cultural heritage, which residents and advocates like Tumanda believe should be preserved, not compromised by unsustainable industrial activities.
Photo courtesy of Jearim Sison Tumanda
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