PIA Press Release
Monday, January 16, 2012 Consult fisherfolk in issuing mining permit - BFARby Aurora J. Casimpan TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 16 (PIA) -– The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Eastern Visayas has emphasized the need for consultation of all sectors before the issuance of mining permits. The agency has disclosed that the fisher folk sector has been left out in consultations as most assessment relative to issuance of mining permits is limited to the vicinity in rice fields and other farming areas. BFAR regional director Juan Albaladejo has reminded the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in the region to go slow in the issuance of mining permits and take into consideration the long term effect of the mining activities in the region’s marine resources. It was learned that results of studies of previous mining activities in some parts of the country including Eastern Visayas have shown that tailings of mine wastes have contaminated river systems and coastal habitats. Accordingly, fisher folk are not well informed of many mining operations affecting offshore in the region even if some groups of fisher folks are into efforts to protect marine resources. MGB regional director Roger de Dios affirmed that their office approves the mining permits and it is their responsibility to monitor mining operations in the region. BFAR will be meeting with MGB officials this month to discuss on such subjects like process in getting permits, monitoring, and rehabilitation efforts involved after cessation of mining operation. (PIA-8) | 
