25 August 2003

JULIE YAP-DAZA
Editor in Chief
Manila Standard
Manila

Dear Ms. Daza:

This refers to the photo released by David Chan published in your good newspaper, the Manila Standard, dated 24 August 2003 titled “Domino Effect” with caption: “Siltation and pollution from the Ambuclao and Binga dams, as a result of indiscriminate mining and the use of pesticides in Benguet, have reached the waters wending their way down to the newly opened San Roque Dam in Pangasinan. As a result, pollutants in the $1.5 billion dam are passed on to the Agno River and Lingayen coast.”

Please be informed that regular monitoring of river systems including mining operations of operational, as well as non-operational mines, is being undertaken by our Office. Complimentary to this, a Multi-Partite Monitoring Team (MMT) composed of representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local government units (LGUs), the mining company, and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-CAR also conducts regular water quality monitoring to determine whether water quality in areas where mining companies are located are within standards.

Results of the MMT’s and our office’s monitoring reports reveal that all are within standards, particularly Agno River. The claim therefore that indiscriminate mining pollutes the San Roque Dam Project is baseless and the same has not been proven. The problem on siltation or pollution is an interplay of many factors, therefore mining activities should not be regarded as the sole culprit in any negative environmental effect.

Should you need further clarification regarding the MMT reports, please feel to visit our office located at No. 80 Diego Silang Street, Baguio City or call us at Tel. No. (074) 442-63-92.

Thank you and hoping that this clarifies the issues about the alleged siltation and pollution passed on to the Agno River and Lingayen coast.

Very Truly Yours,

NEOMAN B. DELA CRUZ
Regional Director

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