Say NO to mining in Lobo, Batangas. Save Verde Island Passage, center of the world's Marine Bio-diversity.
Tablas Strait that runs between Marinduque and Mindoro is part of the Verde Island Marine Biodiversity Corridor. The seas around these island-provinces can no longer serve as the ultimate sink for toxic wastes from protected mining companies that have enslaved our people for more than 40 years.
On May 21, Egerton Gold Philippines, Inc. submitted plans to mine for gold in approximately 263 square hectares of land in Lobo, Batangas, which will encompass most of the barangays near the coastlines of Verde Island passage.
263 hectares would be equivalent to excavating the size of two Bonifacio Global Cities in Lobo. Based on the proposal submitted by Egerton Gold Philippines, Inc., not only would the local communities be uprooted from their homes, but even local flora and fauna would be affected by the mining activity.
Sadly, the Lobo, Batangas local government and the Philippine DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) are seriously considering approving this project, despite knowing the enormous impact it will have on one of the world's treasures in marine life.
We ask you to join us in this fight against the ruin and exploitation of one of our country's last remaining marine and wildlife sanctuaries. Please sign this petition to let the Philippine government know that people care about the environment, and that the preservation of our marine wildlife is more important than the corporate interests of mining companies. Please share with like-minded people who are also interested in protecting this precious resource.
Sign the petition started by Gerard Navarro on Change.org here. No to mining in Lobo, Batangas and save the Verde Island Passage!
