A people’s organization in Nueva Vizcaya is demanding the cancellation of an exploration permit (EP) issued to a British firm, saying the mining project threatens their local water sources, forests, and community livelihood.
In their Aug. 26 letter, the Munguia Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MMPC) asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to recall the EP granted to Woggle Corp. earlier this month, which covers 3,101 hectares in five barangays of Dupax del Norte, including Barangay Munguia.
No prior consultation
MMPC said the exploration permit violated rules requiring public consultation before approval.
“We vehemently oppose and object to this,” the group said, adding that Woggle Corp. has only scheduled its first community meeting for September.
The group’s letter was addressed to DENR Sec. Raphael Lotilla, Mines and Geosciences officer-in-charge Michael Cabalda and MGB Region 2 Director Mario Ancheta.
The cooperative stressed that any mining activity contradicts the National Greening Program, a flagship program of the DENR.
Records showed that MMPC has been developing a 70-hectare site in Barangay Munguia into an agro-tourism area with fruit trees, under a DENR-supported project.
Members fear that mining activities will undermine the eco-tourism industry being cultivated in Dupax del Norte, which is seen as a sustainable livelihood for local residents.
Risks to water, forests
Residents warned that the permit area includes watersheds and tributaries supplying water for household use and agriculture.
They said mining exploration could damage the fragile ecosystem of the Sierra Madre mountain range, which the government is supposed to protect.
“Temporary monetary benefit cannot justify the long-term danger to our environment,” MMPC said.
“Temporary monetary benefit cannot justify the long-term danger to our environment,” MMPC said.
Links to Runruno mine
The group also raised concern over Woggle Corporation’s alleged ties to foreign owners behind mining operations in Runruno, another Nueva Vizcaya town where environmental issues have been reported.
“Tama na, sobra na!” the cooperative said, calling Woggle’s expansion “corporate greed and favoritism.”
Growing opposition
MMPC’s protest follows a resolution by Barangay Oyao officials rejecting the same project.
Church groups led by Bayombong Bishop Jose Elmer Mangalinao have also spoken against Woggle Corporation’s planned exploration, urging the government to prioritize forest protection over mining.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau and Woggle Corporation have yet to release a statement on the cooperative’s appeal. (MELVIN GASCON | KODAO PRODUCTIONS)
