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Lopez blames deforestation and logging for massive flooding in Agusan del Sur

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Lopez blames deforestation and logging for massive flooding in Agusan del Sur

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https://businessmirror.com.ph/2017/02/01/lopez-blames-deforestation-and-logging-for-massive-flooding-in-agusan-del-sur/

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Lopez blames deforestation and logging for massive flooding in Agusan del Sur | Jonathan L. Mayuga

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ENVIRONMENT Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez on Wednesday said mining and deforestation caused the massive flooding in Agusan del Sur and other areas in the Caraga region, adding that the catastrophe had forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents to various evacuation centers. The entire province of Agusan...

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1st: Forest loss blamed for Mindanao floods

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1st: Forest loss blamed for Mindanao floods

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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/863409/forest-loss-blamed-for-mindanao-floods

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Continued tree-cutting in the hinterlands of Northern Mindanao region has led to the massive flooding that submerged Cagayan de Oro City and nearby areas on Monday, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Wednesday.

"I am alarmed actually at the recurrent flooding in that area. When flash floods hit a certain area, there's only one reason for that. It means there are no trees in the mountains to hold the rainwater," Piñol said in a news conference in Malacañang.

"We are looking at deforestation and the unabated cutting of trees in the mountains of Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental [provinces] as the possible cause of these flash floods," he said.

"So we are [looking] at the situation not only in the context of providing immediate intervention, but also long-term solution," he said.

Piñol said drones would be deployed to make an aerial survey of the mountains around Northern Mindanao and locate areas prone to flooding and landslides.

About 3,000 families in the region evacuated as floodwater rose on Monday, reports from local disaster response agencies showed. Most of them returned home on Tuesday morning.

Piñol formed a technical working group to assess the damage to agriculture caused by the flash flood in the region and some parts of the Visayas, which left at least 11 people dead.

He assured the public that agricultural losses were minimal and would not disrupt food supply and prices of agricultural products in the region.

As of Wednesday, Piñol said 149.5 hectares of corn were damaged in Bukidnon province while in Misamis Occidental, at least 870 ha of land planted with corn, rice and vegetables were submerged by floods.

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Continued tree-cutting in the hinterlands of Northern Mindanao region has led to the massive flooding that submerged Cagayan de Oro City and nearby areas on Monday, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said Wednesday. "I am alarmed actually at the recurrent flooding in that area. When flash floods hit a certain area, there's only one reason for that.

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1st: Philippines 'not fit' for open-pit mining: Gina Lopez

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1st: Philippines 'not fit' for open-pit mining: Gina Lopez

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https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/09/19/18/philippines-not-fit-for-open-pit-mining-gina-lopez

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Scores of residents leave Barangay Ucab in Itogon, Benguet on September 16, 2018 after a massive landslide buried several houses at the heigh of typhoon Ompong's onslaught. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA - Deadly landslides are a reminder that the Philippines is unfit for open-pit mining, former environment secretary Gina Lopez said Wednesday.

Dozens of people were killed after Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut) triggered a landslide that buried mining bunk houses in the mountain town of Itogon, Benguet.

"For me the biggest message here is that we are really not fit for mining because look at what happened when the typhoon hits, there's a landslide sinong nagdudusa? Yung taong doon nakatira," Lopez told DZMM.

"So to have open pit mining in a country like this is crazy. That's why whenever there's mining, the people suffer because we are in a geohazard zone," she said.

The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines on Monday urged the government to intensify its crackdown against illegal small-scale miners.

Lopez said the government should focus on large-scale miners because they "cause large scale problems."

Mine workers should be given alternative jobs that are related to the environment preservation, she said. Itogon can be developed into a tourism hub, she said.

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philippines 'not fit' for open-pit mining: gina lopez | abs-cbn news

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Philippines 'not fit' for open-pit mining: Gina Lopez

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MANILA - Deadly landslides are a reminder that the Philippines is unfit for open-pit mining, former environment secretary Gina Lopez said Wednesday. Dozens of people were killed after Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut) triggered a landslide that buried mining bunk houses in the mountain town of Itogon, Benguet.

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5th: An act of courage leading to another free flying Philippine Eagle.

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5th: An act of courage leading to another free flying Philippine Eagle.

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https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/animals/2022/01/rescues-of-rare-philippine-eagles-soar-during-the-pandemic

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Patricio Robles Gil, Nature Picture Library

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Rescues of rare Philippine eagles soar during the pandemic

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In one case, Indigenous rattan-gatherers banded together to rescue one of the world’s most endangered raptors from a boar trap.

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4th: The student volunteers at the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) in Davao City, participated in reforestation efforts and so on.

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4th: The student volunteers at the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) in Davao City, participated in reforestation efforts and so on.

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https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/358258/volunteerism-as-a-life-changing-experience/

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Opening up to new experiences outside the classroom brings exciting possibilities and insights.

That's what student volunteers at the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) in Davao say after spending time at the 8.4- hectare facility at the foothills of Mt. Apo where the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) is located. The volunteers participate in reforestation efforts, educational tours and campaigns, and help spread the word on protecting the 400 remaining pairs of eagles in the country.

"PEF engages the students through volunteerism in a variety of activities which include animal enrichment preparation, animal behavior observation, and even maintenance and office tasks," says Carla Salvacion, PEF conservation education program team leader who also leads the student volunteer program. "Through this, we hope to produce ambassadors and advocates from their generation and empower them to become stewards of the environment through conservation work while learning about Philippine biodiversity along the way."

Curiosity

It starts in a number of ways. For Danna Ian Alcantara, 18, it was curiosity.

"My love of animals and the environment sparked my interest in volunteering. Ever since I was young, I was fascinated by how fish swim or birds fly," says the education major from the University of Southeastern Philippines (USP). "I've always had a heart for the environment but I have no idea where to start."

Alcantara began volunteering last year. "It was a fun-filled Sunday afternoon. My experience taught me that this shouldn't become a one-time thing, so I returned the next week. And the next. And the next."

Today, he frequently volunteers at the PEF Center (home to over 30 eagles) or in its reforestation project in a different site.

"I guide visitors or run small errands when at the center. When on the field, I coordinate with new volunteers who plant seedlings," he says.

Days are never boring because he always learns something new.

"The most valuable lesson I learned is that no matter how big the problem is, if you start now and you have the heart for duty and service, then you can create ripples of change no matter how young or old you are," he says.

Coexistence and harmony

Francis Lee Bryan Calamba, 21, helps with paperwork, touring the guests at the center and assisting in PEF events.

The geology major from USP says volunteering gives him a deeper understanding of the environment and its relevance to his studies. "Volunteering taught me the importance of coexistence and the many ways to live in harmony with everything around us-that our progress as a society shouldn't always have to cost the planet. I am reminded of this every time I experience the "Raptors in Flight" where I get to see the eagles fly (on cue!) and be mesmerized by their grace."

It requires effort to be a volunteer, but smart students like Calamba know how to keep it together.

"Commuting may be costly for a student, but I think it's a small price to pay knowing that you can make a difference. That's why I try to catch the PEF carpool whenever possible. I like that I'm in the company of students and people who believe that volunteering is an experience that can help shape character and one's view on life," he points out.

Life lessons

Philippine Science High School student Ma. Patricia Marielle Moralde, 17, recounts her experience a little differently. She remembers her visits to PEC as a habit with her dad. Wanting to spend more time with animals, she tried volunteering when she was 12. It didn't work, so she tried again when she turned 16.

It changed her life.

Her tasks included tour guiding, leading orientations, feeding birds and facilitating film-viewing sessions.

"My fond memory of volunteering happened when I was guiding a family from Ecuador on a tour in 2018. They were so awed by the Philippine eagles and were so engaging. I absolutely enjoyed every second of it. They took the time to listen, and they told me how much they appreciated the hard work the center has done for the birds and other animals. I almost cried," she recalls.

Moralde treasures connecting to people through love for the environment. "It's rare for me to meet people who completely understand the reason I fell in love with wildlife. I still remember their faces, and I hope to see them again so I can thank them for the kind words that gave me so much hope," she says.

The life lesson she learned from volunteering? There is hard work and sacrifice needed to fight for the conservation and the environment.

She adds: "Everyone here has a passion for wildlife and the eagles we desperately try to protect. All the staff and the other volunteers here don't always get the recognition they deserve, so this is my chance to give them a shout-out. They are awesome people and they inspire me so, so much."

Challenges

The volunteers have had their share of challenges.

"Unfortunately, it is difficult for many volunteers to stay consistent," says Moralde. "Distance, transportation, budget, conflicting schedules are some of the challenges we encounter. But we have to push our way through on our own regardless of any obstacle. And, honestly, it's all worth it. If you have passion, drive and determination to protect and study wildlife, you are welcome to volunteer anytime and in any way you wish to do it."

Volunteering helped her become a better person. "It gave me a sense of purpose. It kept me motivated in life. It gave me the opportunity and the freedom to explore myself and the environment. Philippine biodiversity is astounding, even at surface level. Our country is teeming with life. Unfortunately, all of it is under threat of permanent loss. As Filipinos, we have to protect our forests-it is our culture, our identity and our home." -CONTRIBUTED

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Volunteerism as a life-changing experience

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Opening up to new experiences outside the classroom brings exciting possibilities and insights. That's what student volunteers at the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) in Davao say after spending time at the 8.4- hectare facility at the foothills of Mt. Apo where the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) is located.

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3rd: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered mining companies to conduct tree planting projects and threatened to ban all open pit mining.

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3rd: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered mining companies to conduct tree planting projects and threatened to ban all open pit mining.

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https://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-mining-idUSKBN1HG1EP

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MANILA (Reuters) - Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday ordered mining companies to conduct tree planting projects and threatened to ban all open pit mining next year.

The Southeast Asian nation's mining sector has been under fire by Duterte's government for environmental damage and alleged violations that include building mines in prohibited areas like watersheds. The fiery leader said miners should make an extra effort to plant trees in areas denuded by mining.

"I want trees as tall as me in six months. If there is none, consider your permit revoked. Do not wait for the day of your sorrow," Duterte told reporters prior to departing for China.

The Philippines is the world's biggest supplier of nickel ore and also among the top producers of copper and gold. But the sector makes up less than 1 percent of the country's economy, based on data from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

"The industry, together with the Environment department, is working out how to reduce the disturbed areas," Ronald Recidoro, executive director of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, told Reuters.

President Duterte also warned mining companies that he might declare a total ban on open pit mining next year.

A ban on new open pit mines has been in place since April last year, covering projects including the $5.9 billion copper-gold Tampakan project in southern Mindanao island.

Open pit mining is allowed under Philippine law, but Duterte has rejected a recommendation by the Mining Industry Coordinating Council to lift the ban, citing the destruction to the soil and environment.

"We hope the president will reconsider his position because open pit mining is an established mining method worldwide," said Chamber of Mines' Recidoro, adding that the ban will also disrupt the extraction of cement and coal.

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Philippines' Duterte orders reforestation, threatens open pit mining ban

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MANILA (Reuters) - Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday ordered mining companies to conduct tree planting projects and threatened to ban all open pit mining next year. The Southeast Asian nation's mining sector has been under fire by Duterte's government for environmental damage and alleged violations that include building mines in prohibited areas like watersheds.

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2nd: Imposing the ban on Open-Pit mining

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2nd: Imposing the ban on Open-Pit mining

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https://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-mining-idUSKBN17T0FW

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MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine Environment Secretary Regina Lopez said on Thursday she will ban open-pit mining in the country, toughening a months-long crackdown on the sector she blames for extensive environmental damage.

The ban comes just days before the outspoken environmentalist-turned-regulator faces a confirmation hearing in Congress that could lead to her removal as minister after a storm of complaints from pro-mining groups.

Lopez, who has already ordered the closure of more than half the country's operating mines and has previously described open pit mines as "madness", said it was within her prerogative to ban the practice, which is allowed under Philippines mining law.

"Each open pit is a financial liability for government for life," she told a media briefing. "It kills the economic potential of the place."

The ban will take effect immediately but will not cover existing mines, she said.

Mining is a contentious issue in the largely underexplored Southeast Asian country after past examples of environmental mismanagement.

Lopez in February ordered the permanent closure of 22 of 41 operating mines in the world's top nickel ore supplier and later canceled dozens of contracts for undeveloped mines to protect water resources.

Miners have argued her actions are illegal and no mine has yet been closed as companies pursue an appeals process that can only be settled by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines described her latest move as "absurd."

"With this open-pit ban, she is essentially banning the mining of shallow ore deposits that can only be extracted using open-pit mining," said Chamber spokesman Ronald Recidoro.

WANTS DUTERTE AS SUCCESSOR

The ban would halt the $5.9 billion Tampakan copper-gold project in South Cotabato province in Mindanao island, the nation's biggest stalled mining venture.

Tampakan failed to take off after the province where it is located banned open-pit mining in 2010, prompting commodities giant Glencore Plc to quit the project in 2015.

Lopez has said the project would cover an area the size of 700 football fields in what otherwise would be agricultural land.

There are currently 14 open pits in the country, 10 of them abandoned, said Lopez, who flew to several mining sites in recent weeks to inspect them.

Lawmakers will resume hearings on Lopez's appointment on May 2 after sessions in March when pro-mining groups assailed her capacity as minister.

Lopez said she was imposing the ban now because she was unsure of the outcome of the hearings.

If lawmakers reject her appointment, Lopez said she wants Duterte to succeed her.

"That's the kind of person you really need at DENR," she said, referring to her agency. "Brave, cannot be bought, everyone will be scared."

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Philippines bans open-pit mining as minister toughens crackdown

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MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine Environment Secretary Regina Lopez said on Thursday she will ban open-pit mining in the country, toughening a months-long crackdown on the sector she blames for extensive environmental damage. The ban comes just days before the outspoken environmentalist-turned-regulator faces a confirmation hearing in Congress that could lead to her removal as minister after a storm of complaints from pro-mining groups.

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1st: Revisiting Cagayan de Oro’s dwindling forest cover

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1st: Revisiting Cagayan de Oro’s dwindling forest cover

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https://www.rappler.com/nation/192171-cagayan-de-oro-dwindling-forest-cover/

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Here's a look back at the environmental degradation observed in the wake of Tropical Storm Sendong (Washi) in December 2011

MANILA, Philippines - Six years ago, a devastating tropical cyclone also hit Northern Mindanao in December, leaving more than 1,200 people dead, around 6,000 injured, and over 180 others missing.

Hardest hit by Tropical Storm Sendong (Washi) in December 2011 were the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

Sendong dumped more than a month's worth of average rainfall in just 12 hours back then, triggering deadly flash floods and landslides.

In the aftermath of the disaster, climate change experts such as lawyer Tony La Viña pointed out that there was a need to stop destructive activities like illegal logging, which have led to deforestation in Northern Mindanao and other regions. (READ: After Sendong, 10 things we must do)

This writer was able to document the thinning forests of Mindanao through Philippine Air Force (PAF) reconnaissance and humanitarian missions, together with a team from Albay organized by the local government.

We spotted not just landslides but also huge logs swept away by raging waters in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City, as shown in the photos below. The environmental degradation was evident, aggravating the situation in inundated areas.

Six years after Sendong battered Northern Mindanao, Severe Tropical Storm Vinta (Tembin) - which later intensified into a typhoon - brought torrential rain, heavy flooding, and landslides to the region and surrounding areas. The death toll has topped 200, with tens of thousands displaced. - Rappler.com

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IN PHOTOS: Revisiting Cagayan de Oro's dwindling forest cover

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Here's a look back at the environmental degradation observed in the wake of Tropical Storm Sendong (Washi) in December 2011 MANILA, Philippines - Six years ago, a devastating tropical cyclone also hit Northern Mindanao in December, leaving more than 1,200 people dead, around 6,000 injured, and over 180 others missing.