The Makakalikasan Nature Party Philippines urgently calls attention to the environmental and social crises unfolding in Zamboanga Sibugay due to its mining boom. As one of the fastest-growing economies in the Zamboanga Peninsula, the province’s rapid economic expansion is largely attributed to mineral extraction activities, including coal, gold, and copper mining. However, the hidden costs of this growth—land degradation, environmental pollution, and the displacement of indigenous communities—have become undeniable.
Zamboanga Sibugay, home to significant coal reserves, including the vast Malangas Coal Reservation, has attracted substantial investments from major mining companies such as the state-run PNOC-EC and Benguet Corporation. These developments have certainly contributed to economic growth. However, the ongoing mining activities in the province have resulted in alarming environmental degradation. Over 10,000 hectares of forest land have been cleared in recent years, leading to severe deforestation, soil erosion, and disruption of local ecosystems. In addition to these concerns, illegal gold mining in towns like Payao has further exacerbated the environmental toll, contributing to water contamination, deforestation, and the loss of biodiversity.
As reported, mining activities have contaminated local rivers, which supply water to thousands of residents. This has led to an increase in waterborne diseases and a significant decline in aquatic biodiversity, which directly affects the livelihood of local fishing communities. Over 1,000 families in Zamboanga Sibugay have already been displaced due to land acquisition for mining operations, with many finding themselves excluded from the promised economic benefits. Many of these displaced communities have failed to receive adequate compensation or new employment opportunities, perpetuating poverty and social inequality.
The Makakalikasan Nature Party Philippines firmly believes that the development of Zamboanga Sibugay cannot and should not come at the expense of the environment and its indigenous peoples. This position aligns with the principles outlined in our 15-point Green Agenda, particularly those focused on Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation and Reclaiming Natural Resources and Patrimony. As Roy Jerusalem Cabonegro, President of the Makakalikasan Nature Party, emphasized, “The people of Zamboanga Sibugay have the right to live in harmony with their land and culture, free from the destructive impacts of unchecked mining. We cannot continue to sacrifice our natural heritage for short-term economic gains. The future of our environment and communities depends on a more sustainable and just approach to development.”
Our Green Agenda calls for a comprehensive review of mining policies to ensure they prioritize environmental protection and respect the rights of indigenous communities. We advocate for strengthening regulatory frameworks that enforce stricter environmental standards, require thorough Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and ensure that mining companies are held accountable for the ecological damage they cause. Furthermore, we insist on the implementation of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) protocols to safeguard the rights of indigenous groups, whose ancestral lands are increasingly being targeted by mining operations.
While mining may contribute to economic growth, we also call for the diversification of Zamboanga Sibugay’s economy. The province should invest in alternative industries such as sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, and renewable energy, which can provide long-term, equitable growth while minimizing environmental harm.
Zamboanga Sibugay’s mining dilemma serves as a stark reminder that our nation’s progress should not come at the cost of our environment or the dignity of its people. The Makakalikasan Nature Party urges the national government to immediately halt destructive mining practices in Zamboanga Sibugay, enforce stronger regulations, and engage local communities in decision-making processes.
The mining industry must adopt sustainable practices, such as reclaiming mined lands and implementing responsible waste management systems. This is the only way to ensure that the future of Zamboanga Sibugay—and indeed, the Philippines—remains a prosperous, resilient, and ecologically just one.
As we face the challenges posed by unsustainable mining, the Makakalikasan Nature Party stands firm in our commitment to safeguarding the environment, securing the rights of indigenous peoples, and ensuring that development truly benefits all Filipinos—both now and in the future.
