MGB inventorying watersheds to ‘harmonize’ protection efforts

THE Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) said it will inventory the country’s water resources, specifically watersheds where miners are active.

“We can only protect it if we fully understand the behavior of the water both in the surface areas and in the underground areas because it is critical in the sustainability of all activities and communities in the watershed areas,” MGB Director Mario Luis J. Jacinto said on the sidelines of the MGB stakeholders’ forum in Quezon City on Friday

The MGB and its hydrogeologists will draw up a study and determine where the critical watersheds are located and what measures can be implemented to best protect them.

“We hope there will be a harmonization of all the efforts to protect these critical watersheds,” Mr. Jacinto added.

Asked about permits for mines under development that were questioned for being situated near watersheds, Mr. Jacinto clarified that former Environment Secretary Regina Paz L. Lopez did not impose a ban.

On Feb. 14, Ms. Lopez announced the cancellation of 75 mining production sharing agreements located in watersheds as a way to protect the country’s water resources. However, miners affected by the decision reported that the agency merely sent a show- cause order requiring the companies to explain why their permits should not be suspended or revoked.

“The announcement is entirely different from the action that was taken,” Mr. Jacinto added.

The order served on the 75 miners, among others issued by the former secretary during her ten- month tenure, are currently being reviewed to determine whether Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu can continue to enforce them. —