Lawmaker wants N. Ecija declared mining-free

MANILA, Philippines - Nueva Ecija Rep. Joseph Violago wants his province to be declared mining-free.

Violago filed House Bill 2816 seeking to ban mining operations, the cancellation of all existing mining licenses in Nueva Ecija and prohibit the issuance of future permits.

It proposes a prison term of up to 12 years and a fine of P500,000 for violators.

Violago said he wants his province to keep its role as the country’s “rice granary,” and one of the leading producers of onions, garlic, calamansi, and vegetables.

“Nueva Ecija has also received in June 2008 the title ‘Milk Capital of the Philippines,’ being the largest province in Central and Northern Luzon that produces more milk from both cows and carabaos than any other place in the country,” he said.

Aside from its premiere educational and research institutions, the province also prides itself with many historical and tourism spots, he said.

“It is a giant waiting to be crowned as the next industrial, investments and transport hub in Central and Northern Luzon because of its sterling human resources, vast land resources and its strategic location and proximity to Clark, Pampanga and Manila,” he stressed.

Because of this potential, Nueva Ecija has to be declared mining-free to preserve its agriculture and ecological balance, and keep it pollution-free at the same time, according to Violago.

He said rich mineral deposits like copper and manganese could be found in the towns of General Tinio, Carranglan and Pantabangan.