No To Mining

> *We are not afraid. This is our land. This is our home. We would die for it.* > *We can't eat gold; we need clean water.* > *No to Mining!* > *End Destructive Mining* > *No to Drilling!* These are just a few of the strong statements from the communities of both Dupax Del Norte and Mankayan, illustrating their intense opposition to mining. Their cries are getting louder and louder, echoing through the mountainside. We don't want mining in our place. We don't wish our natural environment to be exploited and destroyed by profit-hungry companies, more so a foreign one.

What happened in Dupax recently gave me goosebumps. With a court order (TRO), the residents who were protesting against a large-scale mining operation became the *culprit* and were forcibly dispersed by policemen. Some were even handcuffed. What the heck! It saddens (and infuriates) me that the government agencies we thought would advocate and prioritize the protection of the people and our natural resources are either not exercising their mandate or doing the opposite. Yes, mining may bring some progress to a place, but its long-term negative impact is far more scary, especially when greed comes to play. Water supply, the natural balance in the ecosystem, and the livelihood of most (here being agriculture) will be affected. We may not see the worst of it now, but surely, the next generation will. The mountains and hills will be scarred forever. Meanwhile, in MK, a recording of a conversation among some locals and the mining company's representative surfaced. The rep was promising a win-win situation between his company and the community. He was saying they have 30 job orders for locals. 30, really? That made me laugh scornfully. He also vowed that people's way of life and livelihood wouldn't be affected, because the operations would take place 500 meters underground, and we wouldn't even know they were there. That's even scarier, to be honest. He further added that they wouldn't be mining for a long time. Huh? Only fools (or those with personal interests) would fall for that. But yes, the community has spoken. It's a resounding NO! And it's not just a protest. It's a fight to protect life and heritage.