9/11 and Save Sibonga Movement for climate and social justice

Today, as we remember the 9/11 victims and families, let us also include prayers for peace and love to reign in the hearts of people and countries throughout the world.

And for climate and social justice, according to the Save Sibonga Movement (SSM) Campaign which was launched last September 6 by various local organizations led by USREPS (Unifying Sectoral Responses on Environmental Protocols in Sibonga) and joined by the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ).

The SSM was initiated by local groups in 2007 to collectively oppose industries harmful to the environment, according to USREPS Chairperson Chadwick Llanos.

The September 6-launched SSM campaign is focused on solidifying opposition to the cement manufacturing plant, pier, and quarry site in Sibonga, Cebu.

Following are the highlights of the SSM statement;

One, “they question the Project Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

In 2022, Brgy. Sabang called a meeting to assess the social acceptability of the reported proposed 16-hectare cement plant, a 410.47-hectare mining claim area in Sabang, Mangyan, and Candaguit, and, a 2.2-hectare pier area in Sabang and pier construction in Sabang.

During this meeting, Bayan Cement Producers Corp. (BCPC) stated they were still using an old ECC from 2007.

SSM considered this controversial since an ECC is valid for only five years if the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) area is not developed, Llanos said.

In a June 2023 meeting called by Brgy. Candaquit and joined by the DENR-MGB-7, again, SSM was surprised to find out from MGB that the MPSA application had been amended to an exploration permit.

SSM noted that concerns raised by the communities should have part of an updating on the Environmental Impact Statement prior to a reinstatement.

SSM also noted that conditions within the 2006 EIA are no longer the same conditions today and that the reinstatement of a 13-year-old ECC should have been subject to full disclosure.

In July 2024, the Sibonga Municipal Council passed the proposed establishment of BCPC facilities.

Residents have been fighting against the cement manufacturing project since BCPC proposed it and conducted planning sessions on legal intervention/information campaigns/youth engagement, among others.

According to reports, BCPC has assured residents that the mangroves will not be affected, that jobs will be provided.

However, SSM thinks the project which will course through a mangrove area will surely disrupt fisherfolk's lives and livelihood.

“Mangroves are a potent carbon sink and provide protection in the event of storm surges. We should not disguise destructive/extractive projects as 'economic development' when they clearly treat residents as collateral,” said PMCJ Visayas Coordinator Estela Vasquez.

“The people of Sibonga have been reaching out to the local government unit to voice their concerns—submitted letters, facilitated signature campaigns, secured affidavits—but to no avail.

The PMCJ, along with other organizations, lauds the continuous efforts of Sibonga residents to protect their land and seas.

The quarrying of mountains, especially in rocky areas with active fault lines (Sayao, Banlot, Libo, Bato, Manatad and Bae), poses a significant threat to life, similar to incidents in Naga and Toledo in 2018 and 2020.

Mountains are sources of water and forests are crucial for sustainable development. The reclassification of land, particularly in Sabang and Bahay, to suit the cement industry, is also a concern.

“We must protect the environment that protects us. We should defend the food producers who provide food for us.

This grave issue in Sibonga is a classic incident of the powers-that-be prioritizing profit over people and the environment.

The land and seas could result in catastrophic phenomena such as landslides, flooding, and declining fish catch.

All we have to do is listen and heed the affected communities' plea for climate and social justice. Save Sibonga now!” said Laica Rayel, PMCJ Food, Land, Water, and Climate campaign officer.