An association of quarry operators in the Western Visayas has thrown its support to the government’s greening program in a bid to show that mining operations and caring for the environment go hand in hand in Iloilo.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza said the gesture of the Iloilo Quarry Permittees Association, Inc. (IQPAI) bolsters the government’s efforts to create a strong mining industry while, at the same time, protecting and preserving the environment.

“Mining activities going hand in hand with caring for the environment is now among the programs of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. This is also the direction that the DENR has taken,” the DENR chief said.

The IQPAI is composed of 48 members who are involved in sand-and-gravel and other small-scale mining in Iloilo province. It recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the DENR in response to the Department’s call for all sectors of the society to help strengthen the government’s greening efforts throughout the country through President Arroyo’s Green Philippines Program (GPP).

Under the agreement, IQPAI has committed to establish a five-hectare forest plantation within the 854-hectare Bulabog-Putian National Park in Dingle, Iloilo to help in the restoration and rehabilitation of the protected area.

IQPAI has also agreed to provide the funds needed for labor, materials, maintenance and other expenses for the project. The funds will be drawn from the mine rehabilitation cash fund of the association.

IQPAI president Joebert A. Anares said the association would expand the forest plantation by five hectares per year in the next five years until it reaches the total of 25 hectares of forest area developed within the national park.

Anares also said that the association’s Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee ensures that the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Plan (EPEP) of each of their projects is properly implemented.

Under the revitalized mining industry, the DENR strictly requires every mining company to implement extensive environmental programs even during the pre-feasibility phase of operations in order to ensure the protection of the environment and biodiversity. (DENR-Public Affairs Office)

January 9, 2008