THE Baguio Regreening Movement (BRM) called on the Baguio City Council to restore the original portion of the City Environment Code on a no mining policy.
BRM Chairman Erdolfo Balajadia explained before the code was passed, a thorough discussion between members of the council ensued, forcing him to study anew the portion on no mining in the city just for the environmental code to be passed.
"I have always been a staunch advocate of not allowing mining in any area of the city because there is a reason behind that, alright their maybe a mineable strip in a certain area but then sometimes they bore towards the areas where there are houses which is dangerous. We should stop the danger before it happens," Balajadia stressed.
The BRM Chairman assessed even if there may be possible mineable areas in the borders of the city, it would still be best for Baguio not to allow any mining within and around the city.
"If any of the members of the city council is listening right now, if there are certain areas allowed by the national law then we are agitating for them to ask our Congress through a resolution to amend the national proclamation or the national law. In the meantime, in a limited sense, we are asking them to restore this provision that was removed on mining from the Environment Code and discuss the feasibility of approving it," Balajadia added.
Balajadia explained the BRM, in its next meeting, will be asking the city council to restore this limited provision that was not considered at that time.
Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Cordillera regional director Faye Apil called on the city to be very vigilant and assure there are no mining activities happening within the territorial boundary of the city since this should be the primary concern not only of Baguio City but of all local government units.
"During the time of Mayor Braulio Yaranon, there was a move through then environment and natural resources committee chairman Councilor Popo Cosalan to disestablish that portion, but of course you cannot just go to the Congressman at that time and ask him to disestablish this portion in Congress without supporting documents coming from the technical working group where Yaranon approved its funding but sad to say was vetoed by the city which never prospered," Apil added.
Aside from the City Council, the city at present has its City Mining Regulatory Board which is chaired by the MGB regional director, the Mayor seats as vice chairman represented by Councilor Michael Lawana, Dra. Julie Cabato representing the civil society, and a representative from the small scale mining sector among others.
