Augustinians support Palawan anti-mining push

Photo courtesy of blogwatch.tv

By GENESSA A. BUENAFE

THE SAVE PALAWAN MOVEMENT, a multi-sectoral partnership of concerned environmental, religious, other civic groups and academic organizations, launched a “Symposium on Mining” together with the “No to Mining in Palawan” signature campaign to raise ten million signatures against mining in the country at the University of San Agustin Auditorium, February 15.

The said campaign aims to halt the effects of mining activities in the country’s last ecological frontier, Palawan, through compilation of signatures from advocates of the movement to convey a strong calling to the nation and the Palawan governments to raze mining as well as its adversary effects.

According to the Say No to Mining official website, the ten million signature campaign came about after the killing of Dr. Gerardo “Doc Gerry” Ortega, a civic leader who championed the protection of Palawan’s rich biodiversity and an outspoken critic of mining operations in Palawan.

Likewise, the symposium included lectures from Gina Lopez, ABS-CBN Foundation Managing Director promoting the conservation of natural resources in Palawan and proposing that tourism is a better answer than mining.

Moreover, present at the symposium together with the students were the Augustinian faculty and staff as well as the Augustinian fathers as a part of the celebration of the University Week.

At the end of the symposium, the USA auditorium was filled with proclamations, “Say No to Mining, Yes to Life!” and followed by the forum.

“It was life changing experience. The effects of mining seemed to be unclear to us students but through the symposium, we realized that mining is probably not the only solution,” said Erel Allyn Luriz Aspero, a student of Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Science.

On the other hand, 5,823,179 signatures have been raised at the present halfway from its target of 10M, for those who are willing to sign their names and be a volunteer to promote this campaign, log on to http://www.no2mininginpalawan.com.