The Provincial Board of Antique has not endorsed the mining or rock quarry at Barangay La Paz in the municipality of Tibiao to protect the environment and livelihood of the residents.
Board member Karmila Rose Dimamay, in her privilege speech during their regular session on Monday, expressed her strong support for the petition of barangay residents opposing the proposed rock blasting at the barangay's 49,727-square meter lot area since it has lush vegetation, which is the source of water springs in the area, and tourism potential because of its limestone terraces waterfalls.
'The proposed project is a threat to the community, biodiversity, environmental integrity, and food security of the barangay and the municipality,' Dimamay said.
She added that the provincial board has not received a request for endorsement of the project despite being issued an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Feb 19, 2019.
Board Member Pio Jessielito Sumande Sr. also took the session as an opportunity to clarify his name since he was alleged to have endorsed the rock quarry.
'My name was slammed in one of the tarpaulins posted on the area,' Sumande said.
Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao during the capitol employees' Monday flag-raising ceremony assured the residents of Tibiao that she will not sign the quarry permit because of its ill effects on the environment and livelihood.
Source: Philippines News Agency