LOCAL officials in Misamis Oriental are seeking to legalize small-scale mining in Limonda, Opol, a move they say will generate revenue and provide a sustainable livelihood for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the area.
On Tuesday, September 23, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Roy Aniscal, who chairs the Environment Committee, proposed a resolution to designate Limonda as a ‘Minahan ng Bayan,’ or small-scale mining area.
Aniscal said the area has the potential for small-scale mining that would benefit the province and the Indigenous community.
However, IP representative Allan Mandukita emphasized the importance of transparency, stating that because the proposed mining site is within an ancestral domain, the IPs must be made aware of the applicants.
“Kay kung dili sila makabalo, mao nay violation,” Mandukita said during the session, noting that no IP representatives were present at a previous committee hearing.
Despite his concerns, Mandukita expressed support for the resolution, saying, “Suporta ko ani kay sa magsigig dakop dakop kay naay illegal.”
He pointed out that the Dulangan Manobo tribe must be included in the process.
Opol Mayor Jay Bago said there are nine applicants for the proposed project but insisted that the community, particularly the Indigenous Peoples, should be prioritized.
“Ihatag sa na ang minahan ng bayan sa mga lumad kay aron ma plastar. Dili gyud pwede estranyo ang naa diha, priority ang Opol especially the lumad,” Bago said.
The mayor also warned against illegal mining activities.
“Kung naa gani madakpan nga nag apil sila anang mina mina nga illegal, I will tell you, dili ko musugot nalang ug minahan ng bayan,” he said.
The approval of the resolution has been deferred. A public consultation in the barangay has now been scheduled to address the issue.
