TACLOBAN CITY, July 27 -- The Diocese of Borongan and the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD) have urged municipal and barangay councils in Giporlos and Balangiga, Eastern Samar, to adopt resolutions opposing mining activities following the approval of a mineral exploration permit covering portions of the two towns.
In a pastoral position statement dated July 27, the Diocese of Borongan, through its Diocesan Commission on Social Action - Justice and Peace (DCSA-JP), expressed concern over the Mines and Geosciences Bureau's (MGB) approval of Exploration Permit EP-2026-001-VIII, which covers about 902.99 hectares in Giporlos and Balangiga towns.
The diocese acknowledged that the permit authorizes only mineral exploration and not commercial mining, but said the activity could pave the way for future mineral extraction. It urged local governments and communities to clearly state their position on the issue.
Citing previous mining experiences in Homonhon and Manicani islands in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, and Bagacay in Paranas, Samar, as well as other parts of Samar Island, the diocese called on the municipal councils of Giporlos and Balangiga and their respective barangay councils to pass resolutions opposing mining activities within their jurisdictions.
The pastoral statement cited potential environmental and social risks associated with mining, including the degradation of forests and watersheds, contamination of rivers and coastal waters, loss of agricultural and fishing areas, increased erosion, flooding and landslides, and conflicts within affected communities.
It also stressed that Eastern Samar, one of the country's most typhoon-prone provinces, should prioritize the protection of its natural ecosystems, which serve as vital buffers against disasters and support the livelihoods of local communities.
The diocese appealed to local government officials, civil society organizations, faith communities, farmers, fisherfolk, Indigenous Peoples, youth groups, and other stakeholders to work together in promoting development that protects the environment while upholding human dignity and the common good.
Quoting Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato si', the diocese said genuine development should be measured not only by economic growth but also by respect for people, nature, and future generations.
SIPPAD officials, during their quarterly meeting in Catarman, Northern Samar, endorsed the pastoral statement, supporting the diocese's appeal for the local councils of Giporlos and Balangiga to adopt anti-mining resolutions.
"SIPPAD firmly believes that development should never come at the expense of human dignity or the integrity of creation. True progress is measured not only by economic gains but also by the protection of communities, ecological sustainability, and peace founded on justice," the network said.
The regional peace and development network also cited the experiences of mining-affected communities in Homonhon and Manicani as examples of the long-term environmental and social impacts of extractive industries. It encouraged local government units across Samar Island to adopt policies that protect the environment and preserve the island's natural heritage.
"Our appeal extends beyond the current exploration activities in Giporlos and Balangiga. It is a call for a shared vision for the whole of Samar Island - one where development is sustainable, communities are empowered, and future generations inherit clean rivers, protected forests, productive farmlands, abundant fishing grounds, and healthy ecosystems," the statement added.
The endorsement was signed during a gathering in Catarman, Northern Samar, by Calbayog Bishop Isabelo Abarquez, Borongan Bishop Crispin Varquez, and Catarman Bishop Molly Camingue Buco.
Exploration Permit EP-2026-001-VIII, granted Altimas Ventures, Inc., exclusive right to explore for chromite and associated minerals for an initial two-year period, renewable for up to six years.
The permit, approved on June 22, authorizes only mineral exploration and does not allow commercial mining. Under Republic Act 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, any proposal for mineral extraction would require separate government approvals and compliance with environmental, legal, and social safeguards.
Giporlos Mayor Gilbert Go earlier clarified that no mining operations have begun in the municipality, saying the approved document pertains only to mineral exploration.
He also urged residents to disregard misinformation circulating on social media and assured the public that any future mining proposal would still have to undergo consultations and comply with all legal and environmental requirements.
The Sangguniang Bayan of Balangiga, on Sept. 24, 2025, already adopted Resolution 25-122, declaring its opposition to small- and large-scale mining within the municipality and calling on national government agencies to deny or revoke mining permits covering the town.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.