CBCP-DENR partnership
sought for responsible mining

MANILA Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo yesterday proposed a partnership between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-National Secretariat for Social Action (CBCP-Nassa) to ensure responsible mining in the country and to keep tabs on what the residents in the host community really feel about mining operations.

In a media forum, Pabillo said a formal agreement might be necessary if both parties really want to solve the persistent problems of irresponsible mining, especially in the rural areas.

"Kapag sila (mining firms) ay kumuha ng social acceptability, may third party na titingin kung talaga ba na maayos yung pagkuha ng social acceptability. Kaya if they are willing na kami ang tumingin din, then we are willing to testify kung talaga bang ayaw ng tao o gusto ng tao, o dinaya lang pagkuha ng consent," Pabillo said.

"The question is will there be responsible mining? Hopefully, our local officials will be responsible since there will be no responsible mining if our officials are not responsible themselves, meaning that they will not allow themselves to be bought, or to fool and cheat the people," Pabillo said in Filipino.

Atienza, who was at the forum, welcomed the proposal and said it has been his desire to forge a partnership with the CBCP. "I want to join forces with the CBCP because I'm sure that they have a pure intention. With them, I'm sure they cannot be bought. So, I'd rather work with the CBCP than any other advocates," Atienza said.