Ang Minero partylist group pushing for responsible mining

CEBU, Philippines - A nominee of Ang Minero partylist is advocating and implementing responsible mining in the nation to correct the notion that mining is bad for the environment.

In a statement, former Mines and Geosciences Bureau director Joel Muyco said that it is ironic for a country so rich in natural resources to be mired in poverty.

He said Ang Minero aims to equally distribute the gains of the country from the natural resources with the protection of the environment as its prime concerned.

According to Muyco, only .01 percent of the country’s land area is being used for mining, and that one of their aims is to correct the notion that mining is bad for the environment.

Muyco said that their primary goal is to address the concerns of small-scale mining sectors, admitting that there is a lack of laws and provisions for small scale miners.

According to him, about 70 percent of the mining companies are small-scale firms. “Kulang ang mga benefit ang naibibigay sa mga minero.”

He promised to increase the health benefits for miners. 

Ang Minero is a first-time partylist candidate for Congress that claims to represent a marginalized sector. It has around 150,000 members nationwide.

The partylist group believes that economic recovery for the country will be obtained through responsible mining.

Muyco said that right now, minerals gained by mining companies are small compare to what the country can offer. “If we can get at least 10 percent, then it will generate many employment.” 

He said that the mining industry is contributing around one percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country. “Before mas malaki kasi maraming companies noon,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ang Minero will not be endorsing any candidates. Muyco said Ang Minero is a multi-sectoral group and that each member has his own opinion on who to vote. (FREEMAN NEWS)