Potential mining areas in this city, the largest in the world in terms of land size, have been stricken off the list of proposed sites for “Minahang Bayan,” or areas where small-scale mining may be allowed, according to an official of one of the government’s mining regulatory agencies.
Bani Falls, Marilog Dist., Davao City. Photo: skyscrapercity.com
Edilberto Arreza, head of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Southern Mindanao, said the MGB had listed several areas in the city as possible Minahang Bayan sites.
The bureau removed these areas from the list following vehement opposition to mining expressed by top officials of the city, particularly the daughter-father tandem of Mayor Sara Duterte and Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
President Aquino’s Executive Order No. 79, which outlines his administration’s policy on mining, prohibits small-scale mining in areas not found in Minahang Bayan sites. The MGB was tasked with identifying these sites.
At least two areas in the city—Paquibato and Marilog Districts—are believed to be mineral rich.
Arreza said he had “officially stricken off Davao City” from the Minahang Bayan list. The MGB, he said, decided to “forget the city” when it comes to mining.
The decision, said Arreza, was prompted by strong opposition to mining expressed by the city mayor and her father, the vice mayor.
In a recent interview, Mayor Sara Duterte said her stand against mining in the city will not change.
Her father, Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, said he would defy Mr. Aquino’s EO 79 if it would lead to mining in the city.
Arreza said an area may be declared Minahang Bayan site only with the support of local officials.
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