As some provincial officials race to push questionable MOA, DOH-MIMAROPA sounds alarm for evacuation option on Marcopper

Devil-may-care? The provincial board has voted against the MOA, but as some Marinduque provincial officials still race to get the highly controversial contract signed with US lawyers, a third party funder and a Canadian law firm that lawyered for the same company the Marinduque government is running after, DOH-MIMAROPA regional director Eduardo Janairo has sounded the alarm for a contingency plan to mitigate the effects of irresponsible mining in Marinduque.

The municipal government of Boac, with Mayor Roberto Madla launched the construction of a two-storey evacuation center in Brgy. Hinapulan during the Marcopper tragedy commemoration on March 24, 2017. Photo: Michaela Ornedo

DOH-MIMAROPA sees evacuation of Marinduque residents due to Marcopper

Should the continuing effect of the Marcopper Mining incident persist, Department of Health – MIMAROPA (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) and Chairman of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Environmental Health (RIACEH) stated that the plausible option was to evacuate the residents of Marinduque for their security and interest.

“We need to prepare a contingency plan to mitigate the effects of the Marcopper Mining incident and to formulate immediate and concrete solutions to provide the necessary responses to the effects of the four-decade mining incident that has affected the health, livelihood and lives of residents in twenty barangays in Marinduque,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated during a recent RIACEH meeting held at the Hive Hotel in Quezon City.

First among the interventions laid was the creation of a Provincial Task Force to track all data and information regarding the effects of the mining for a quicker response.

Second, is the setting up of medical and environmental surveillance system, for the early detection and identification of patients manifesting signs and symptoms of chemical poisoning including the establishment of a two-way reporting system for immediate response, management and treatment of cases.

Municipal officials with Bishop Junie Maralit during the unveiling of the marker in Hinapulan commemorating the infamous Marcopper tragedy

According to Director Janairo, interventions for the effective clean-up of mine tailings will be started immediately which includes Phytoremediation, the planting of various trees, like the Beema bamboo, to remove, transfer and destroy degradation of contaminants in soils, surface water and ground water in affected areas of the province.

“The recent discovery of leaks in the diversion tunnel of the abandoned Makulapnit Dam in Boac, Marinduque raises fear and public concern and we should all act as guardians of the people, to safeguard not only their health and security but their life as well. Worst case scenario if these concerns are not properly addressed is to evacuate all residents out of the province,” he added.

The RIACEH is a committee headed by the Department of Health Regional Office and composed of fourteen (14) regional offices which aim to work and coordinate jointly on all environment related problems that continuously affect the health and welfare of the people. - DOH Mimaropa/Romblon News

Also read:

MACEC: Pagbibigay ng authority kay Gov. Reyes ni-reject ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan

1st year of 3rd decade, Marcopper tragedy: 'Negosyo' and conspiratorial plot on class suit?

'Malaking kabulaanan po Bokal Alan Nepomuceno' - sabi ng ex-Mayor at former Bokal

Tsunami ng Panloloko sa Marinduque

For Marinduque: MIMAROPA environmental health body convened

Revisiting the Nevada case (Marinduque vs Barrick Gold)

Boac, Marinduque Mayor Roberto M. Madla signs the resolution of gratitude and solidarity with activists in Nevada, USA who are drawing public attention to issues against Barrick Gold.

FEB 02, 2015: REVISITING THE NEVADA CASE by Konsehal Myke R. Magalang  -- On February 03, 2015, the Nevada Supreme Court will hear oral arguments to determine the proper venue of hearing the merit of the case filed by the province of Marinduque against Barrick Gold Corporation. 

On the 4th Regular Session (2015) of the Sangguniang Bayan of Boac, I delivered a privilege speech and authored and sponsored a Resolution entitled: "Resolution earnestly expressing the profound gratitude and solidarity of the Municipal Council of Boac, Marinduque to the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN), the Coalition for Nevada's Wildlife, other civil society organizations and participants to the protest rally and news conference on February 3, 2015 in connection with the oral argument before the Nevada Supreme Court in relation to the case filed by the Province of Marinduque against Barrick Gold Corporation." 

The Resolution was unanimously seconded and approved without passing through the 3-reading principle.The text can be read below while the photos documented the signing of the Resolution by each Councilor, the Vice-Mayor/Presiding Officer, and the Municipal Mayor.
===========================================

EXCERPT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE FOURTH REGULAR SESSION (2015) OF THE EIGHTH (8TH) SANGGUNIANG BAYAN OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BOAC, PROVINCE OF MARINDUQUE HELD AT THE SANGGUNIANG BAYAN SESSION HALL, 2F NEW MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING ON FEBRUARY 02, 2015, 9:00 AM

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Hon. Dante J. Marquez Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer

Hon. Sonny L. Paglinawan Sangguniang Bayan Member

Hon. Benjamin M. Solomon I Sangguniang Bayan Member

Hon. Luisito S. Laylay Sangguniang Bayan Member

Hon. Aurelio J. Leva III Sangguniang Bayan Member

Hon. Benildo L. Largado Sangguniang Bayan Member

Hon. Rolando M. Larracas Sangguniang Bayan Member

Hon. Miguel R. Magalang Sangguniang Bayan Member

Hon. Carlos M. Palomares Sangguniang Bayan Member

Hon. Bernadine O. Mercado Ex-Officio Member (LIGA)

RESOLUTION NO. 2015-007

RESOLUTION EARNESTLY EXPRESSING THE PROFOUND GRATITUDE AND SOLIDARITY OF THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF BOAC, MARINDUQUE TO THE PROGRESSIVE LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE OF NEVADA (PLAN), THE COALITION FOR NEVADA'S WILDLIFE, OTHER CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS AND PARTICIPANTS TO THE PROTEST RALLY AND NEWS CONFERENCE ON FEBRUARY 3, 2015 IN CONNECTION WITH THE ORAL ARGUMENT BEFORE THE NEVADA SUPREME COURT OF THE CASE FILED BY THE PROVINCE OF MARINDUQUE AGAINST BARRICK GOLD CORPORATION

AUTHOR: HON. MIGUEL R. MAGALANG,Chairperson, Committee on Good Government, Public Ethics and Accountability

WHEREAS, on August 13, 2014, with Dr. Catherine Coumans as the Resource Person, this august Boady hosted a colloquium for local government functionaries on the alternative venues for the “Marinduque Case” versus Placer Dome Inc. and Barrick Gold Corporation in our search for environmental justice and fair compensation for all the damages wrought by the irresponsible mining operations to the people and environment of this Island which culminated in the March 23, 1996 Boac River Mining Disaster; 

WHEREAS, we posited during the provincial conversation that there is a need for competent legal representation of the municipality of Boac and the people of Marinduque, in general, as the civil case against Placer Dome Inc. and Barrick Gold Corporation is to be pursued in other forum or venue – either the Philippines or Canada;

WHEREAS, realizing that there are uncertainties and unpredictable direction in which the Nevada Case is proceeding, this august Body saw the need to fill in the gap for expert information if only to ensure that the people of Boac and Marinduque are not deprived of their right to access to information, participation, and justice. The colloquium then aimed to provide venue for intelligent discussions towards collective action and commitments through the appreciation of: (a) the advantages or disadvantages of pursuing the case in Canada; (b) exploring the possibility of engaging pro bono lawyers from Canada; (c) analysing the corporate social responsibilities of Canadian mining companies throughout the world; (d) strengthening local government functionaries’ roles on governance of the extractive industry; and, (e) deepening the collective commitment of local government officials to pursue justice for the victims of mining in the province;

WHEREAS, upon evaluation of the various options and the advantages and disadvantages appurtenant thereto, the Sangguniang Bayan of Boac was convinced that Canada is the more acceptable and favourable venue to continue to hear the merits of the case against Placer Dome, Inc. and Barrick Gold Corporation;

WHEREAS, while time and space make it impossible for this august Body to articulate its concerns before the Nevada Supreme Court, it finds great opportunity from the initiatives of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (Plan), the Coalition for Nevada's Wildlife, and other Civil Society Organizations through the February 3, 2015 event which they lined up in relation to the issues and concerns expressed hereof;

WHEREFORE, on the initiative and motion of HON. MIGUEL R. MAGALANG, Chairperson of Committee on Good Governance, Public Ethics and Accountability, unanimouly seconded and duly approved, the 8th Sangguniang Bayan of Boac, in session assembled hereby,

RESOLVED as it hereby resolves to earnestly express the profound gratitude and solidarity of the Municipal Council of Boac, Marinduque to the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN), the Coalition for Nevada's Wildlife, other civil society organizations and participants to the protest rally and news conference on February 3, 2015 in connection with the oral argument before the Nevada Supreme Court in relation to the case filed by the Province of Marinduque against Barrick Gold Corporation.

RESOLVED FURTHER that it is hereby requested of the convening groups to please amplify and reiterate during the protest rally and the news conference the position and stance of this august Body regarding the favourable venue to hear the merits of the case.

RESOLVED FINALLY that duly certified copies of this Resolution be furnished to the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN), the Coalition for Nevada's Wildlife, other civil society organizations, and Dr. Catherine Coumans, through the fastest means of communications or the social networking facilities, for their information, reference and appropriate action; while similar copies be also furnished the Local Chief Executives in Marinduque, the sangguniang panlalawigan of Marinduque, the sangguniang bayans of other municipalities in Marinduque, other agencies and local organizations for their information and reference.

ADOPTED on February 02, 2015 at Boac, Marinduque.

 

Councilor Myke Magalang, Mayor Madla and Vice-Mayor Dante J. Marquez

Members of the Sangguniang Bayan ng Boac, Marinduque
take turns in signing the resolution.

                                       

18th anniversary of Boac River disaster commemorated: Marinduqueños still demand justice

Boac, Marinduque— Marinduqueños continue to demand for justice and reparation for the victims of the Marcopper toxic mine tragedy that killed Boac River.

Boac barangay officials and residents converge at the Boac Covered Court for today's commemoration of the 18th anniversary of the Marcopper mining disaster.

Organized by the local government leaders of Boac with the Marinduque Council for Environmental Concerns (MaCEC), residents walked towards the Boac River to offer flowers and continued with a short program condemning the irresponsibility of involved mining companies—Marcopper Mining Corp, Placer Dome and Barrick Gold (Placer Dome is now owned by Barrick Gold).

It was exactly 18 years ago today when a drainage tunnel from the Tapian Pit used by Marcopper mine for mine waste disposal collapsed and left the Boac River biologically dead. This affected the livelihood of farmers, fisher folks, clothes washers and other members of the community dependent on traditional use of the river.

MaCEC Executive Secretary Elizabeth “Beth” Manggol said: “Walang nangyaring rehabilitasyon-kaya’t ang mga basurang-mina ay nanatiling nakatambak sa ilog, hanggang sa tuluyan na itong mahalo at mabaon sa buhangin.” (No rehabilitation was done so tha mine tailings continue to be in the river until it has mixed up with the water and sand.)

MaCEC cited the many tragedies caused by Marcopper since it started operations: first, the use of Calancan Bay as tailings pond since 1975-1991; second, the December 1993 collapse of the Maguil-guila siltation dam that killed two children in Mogpog and flooded the areas; and third, the March 1996 collapse of Marcopper tailings dam. The mine is inactive but is yet to be fully decommissioned and rehabilitated.

In 2005, the local government filed a case against Placer Dome in the United States but nothing has happened since. Last year, its owner Barrick Gold offered a US$ 20-million settlement with a set of conditions that includes Philippine government agencies, having to waive the company's accountabilities and responsibilities in relation to the disaster. 

 

Barangay leaders publicly sign Manifesto in support of the Sangguniang Bayan of Boac Resolution No., 2014-028 and in rejection of Barrick Gold 'unacceptable conditions'

Manggol emphasized: “The fourth tragedy is the Nevada case proposed settlement! Praktikal ba na kapag tinanggap ng pamahalang panlalawigan ang alok ng Barrick ay sila na ang mananagot sa lahat ng mga nabanggit na trahedya at mga paghahabol kung may maging  pinsala na maaring mangyari sa hinaharap, kapag nawasak ang mga abandonadong estruktura ng minahan at marami ang namatay praktikal ba na sila na rin ang mananagot? 

"Ang suwerte naman ng mga kumpanyang ito malilinis ang kanilang pangalan at mapapasa sa pamahalaan ang responsiblidad. Kapag nangyari ito sa halip na ang Marcopper, Placer Dome at Barrick Gold ang hinahabol natin, ang pamahalaan na ang hahabulin natin, ang mag-aaway na ay ang mga tao at ang pamahalaan”, Manggol said. (Is it practical for the local government to accept the offer of Barrick Gold and carry the burden of rehabilitating the area and arresting all damages that may be caused by the abandoned mines? If this happens, the responsibilities of Marcopper, Placer Dome and Barrick Gold will be passed on to the government—this will result in a conflict between affected communities and the government.)

In the end, the petitioners and the people are united in their position to not accept the settlement offer by Barrick Gold and that they will never waive their cases. MaCEC

"Kami ang mamamayang Marinduqueno na sumusuporta sa mga kundisyong inihain ng Sangguniang Bayan ng Boac na nasasaad sa SB Resolution No. 2014-028 hinggil sa nararapat na mga kundisyon sa sistema ng pagbabayad ng kompensasyon para sa mga mamamayang naapektuan ng pagkalason ng Ilog Boac noong Marso 24, 1996 at mahigpit naming tinututulan ang kundisyong inihain ng Barrick Gold (Placer Dome) sa Lalawigan ng Marinduque na tinuturing naming hindi katanggap-tanggap para sa mamamayan ng buong lalawigan ng Marinduque . - Nilagdaan ngayong Marso 24, 2014 sa Boac, Marinduque.

 --

MaCEC is a church-based and multi-sectoral NGO in Marinduque founded in July 1996 to address issues related to mining and disasters.

Showering a river with love flowers

Viewing the river from a bridge as it rained

Prayers for enlightenment 

They came with umbrellas

Flowers for the historic River

They came wearing black

Myke M signing

Board Member Adeline 'Lyn' Angeles

Tao Muna Hindi Mina!

Konsehal Myke Magalang

A Boac resident signing

Boac Mayor Roberto Madla signing the manifesto

PASASALAMAT NI MAYOR ROBERTO M. MADLA SA IKA-18 ANIBERSARYO NG BOAC RIVER MINING DISASTER OF 1996

Contributors: Roberto Mercene Madla (owner), Ella Mirafuente Ornedo, MaCEC and Konsehal Myke R. Magalang

· Taken at Boac, Marinduque

MARSO 24, 2014: Maraming salamat po sa mga mamamayang Boakenyo at mga delegasyon mula sa limang (5) bayan ng Marinduque sa inyong pakikiisa sa ating paggunita sa ika-18 taon ng Boac River Disaster. Salamat po sa ating matatag na pagkakaisang itakwil at tutulan ang mga hindi makatarungang kundisyong inihain ng Barrick Gold sa kritikal na usapin ng Nevada Case Settlement Agreement. Ang pamahalaang bayan ng Boac, kasama ang mga Konsehal ng Sangguniang Bayan, sa aking pangunguna ay tuloy-tuloy na magbabantay at tututulan ang mapaniil na prosesong ito ng settlement. Hindi tayo mga pulubing maninikluhod ng limos mula sa mayamang minahan. Tayong mga mamamayan ng Islang ito na may dignidad at paninindingang naniningil ng kanilang inutang na responsibilidad!!! Mabuhay ang marangal na lahing Boakenyo at Marindukenyo!

The Boac after the toxic mine spill 

Also read:

Boac River mine spill commemoration; How's the river now?; Flashback

The Boac 2012 Bilabila Street Dance spectacle

No doubt, the recent 2012 Boac Bilabila Street Dance Competition is the most spectacular event staged in this Marinduque town during the last four decades. It may well be that the now-popular Panagbenga and Sinulog festivals have influenced the Bilabila but, but... one has to go back to the 60's when it was widely known that the only Philippine street pageant then, one that utilized costumes, masks, props and attracted the outside word for that Mardi Gras type of spectacle during those years, was none other than the Moriones of Marinduque - as staged in Boac and Mogpog. 

The bigger towns and cities followed suit, the idea of these street pageants as tourist attractions then sparked the creation of Ati-atihan (Aklan), Dinagyang (Iloilo), Sinulog (Cebu), MassKara (Bacolod City), Pintados (Leyte), Sangyaw (Tacloban), Panagbenga (Baguio), Ibalong (Legaspi City) and today, countless others in big, or in the smallest towns in the entire country. Indeed, the creation of such festivals as tourist draws generate the local economy, while promoting local awareness of one's own culture and identity. The Marinduque towns of Gasan, Mogpog, Torrijos, Sta. Cruz, and Buenavista have conceptualized their own such street dances in recent years.

This year's Boac Bilabila Street Dance spearheaded by Mayor Roberto Madla with Councilor Sonny Paglinawan as Over-all Chair is one event that truly showcased the creativity of all those involved and may well be considered a perfect preview of bigger spectacles to come. A united Boac, with her river of the same name that divides the town, has finally arrived.

Thanks to Jingjing Garcia Loto of the Boac Municipal Information Office 

for sharing the Bilabila photos used in this video.

Velasco's projects in Boac

 Video on barangay priority projects of Cong. Lord Allan Velasco in the municipality of Boac as of November 2012. These projects are funded under the DPWH budget and other official sources.They include national and barangay farm-to-market road concreting, school buildings, multi-purpose building construction, flood control, river revetment, water supply systems, etc. Such projects are undertaken in accordance with priorities set by the barangay government units themselves. Similar projects are undertaken simultaneously in the other five municipalities of Marinduque province to catch up on tourism and the economic development of this beautiful tropical island.

Alongside health, education and scholarship programs, the funding of small and medium enterprises and implementation of social services and livelihood programs,such projects  and programs are undertaken by Velasco in close cooperation with implementing agencies. Among these are these are the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Agriculture, the National Electrification Administration, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the municipal governments in the province, the Department of Health, Department of Education and educational institutions such as Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Marinduque State College and private academic institutions like Educational Systems Technological Institute, Marinduque Midwest College, St. Mary's College of Marinduque and Sta. Cruz Institute. 

Velasco with barangay leaders in Tagwak during a Farm-to-Market Road opening.

Shaking hands with the barangay folks.

Mayor Madla during the FMR inauguration in barangay Pili.

Madla cuts the ceremonial ribbon.

Kapitana Nilda Miranda of Pawa cuts the ceremonial ribbon 

for the barangay Pawa farm-to-market road opening.

During such events women and elderly people happy to meet the Congressman don their kimona and baro't-saya to sing and dance for their fondest youthful leader they still call "P.A."

Similar affair in barangay Daig with local barangay officials led by Kapitan Naling.

This one's taken in barangay Mainit with Kapitan Rene Montaron.

Covered Pathway in Isok I funded under the DPWH Outside Infrastructure - PDAF. It covers 181.2 linear meter of covered pathway located along Marinduque National High School and Don Luis Hidalgo Memorial School in Isok I, Boac, Marinduque.

Construction/Repair of Multi-Purpose Building are likewise funded under Velasco's PDAF. Above photo is the Isok II Barangay Hall, also with installation of plumbing fixtures and painting undertaken by the DPWH.

Velasco in consultation with DPWH Marinduque District offficial and barangay leaders.

Roads that continue to be upgraded are the Marinduque Circumferential Road that covers the six municipalities of Marinduque, as well as the Damian Reyes Memorial Road in the Boac-Torrijos section. Photo above was taken in a road upgrading project in barangay Balimbing.

Riverside Covered Court in barangay Poras.

Boac: Cityhood next?

The newly inaugurated Boac Municipal Building

The town fiesta of Boac, Marinduque was marked this year with the inauguration of two buildings, a project of the administration of Mayor Roberto M. Madla. The first was the Fire Station Building in Brgy. Santol and the second, the new and fully air-conditioned Boac Municipal Building.

Bishop of Boac, Most Rev. Reynaldo G. Evangelista and Mayor Bert  Madla

Based on remarks conveyed during the event attended by several hundred guests from barangays and various local government offices, the occasion served as an opportunity to look back at the time when even the idea of building a bigger government house for this growing municipality was met with skepticism. Madla, previously elected for three consecutive terms until his term expired explained that annual allocation for the construction of a new building was undertaken by the municipal government, yet even with funds sufficient to start construction nothing was done. Upon election for a new term as mayor, he prioritized the project, debunking arguments like “aanhin mo ang magandang bahay kung kumakalam naman ang sikmura mo”, which he argues is not applicable as development concerns are more effectively addressed in convenient and better-equipped facilities.

Mayor Madla

“Boac is a first class municipality, so as soon as we have moved to this new building, the full computerization of our system will come next to fast-track processes. The city government of Tayabas, our future ‘sister city’, and our municipal government has, in fact, recently entered into a MOA in this regard.”, Madla said. “Next we will pursue the full realization of the Dr. Pablo Marquez Health and Diagnostic Center in Boac, eventually being the only municipality in the country with such a facility complete with dialysis machines.”

DILG MIMAROPA Regional Director James Fadrilan

DILG Regional Director James Fadrilan, who graced the occasion, remarked that he was amused to hear the public exchange between the two candidates for mayor of the town, namely Madla and board member Allan Nepomuceno, who both made statements to the effect that they would not allow their long-time friendship to be affected by local politics. In jest, Madla expressed his willingness to support an idea apparently hatched by board member Melecio Go, for both mayoralty candidates to go out of town, preferably to a foreign country, a month before the election provided Go would fully shoulder their expenses. 

Upon hearing this, Nepomuceno, rushed to the mayor’s side who was delivering his speech and raised the mayor’s hand with the victory sign as if in surrender to the delight of the audience.

Cong. Lord Allan Velasco

 Congressman Lord Allan Velasco also graced the occasion to convey his congratulations and continued support to the mayor and members of the Sangguniang Bayan.Vice-Governor Antonio Uy, Jr. also conveyed his remarks. The Most Reverend Bishop of Boac, Reynaldo G. Evangelista came to bless the inauguration of the two impressive buildings, Boac’s newest landmarks.

One of the municipio's stunning staircases

View of the Boac Cathedral from the third floor

Also inaugurated was the new Boac Fire Station in Brgy. Santol

On YouTube: Boac Municipal Building

2012 Bila-Bila Street Dance in Boac a smash!

Spectators waiting for the competition to start.

 Boac’s 2012 Bila-Bila Street Dance Competition held today, December 8th in celebration of the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception is a smash! Thousands of people thronged to the Boac Moriones Arena where the competition was held for the first time in it three consecutive years. As early as 7:00 a.m. various contingents from the town’s four districts of Poblacion, Riverside, Seaside and Ilaya started converging at the Boac Covered Court but had to wait for the feast day mass at Boac Cathedral to finish before the simultaneous beating of the festival drums could be started.

Butterflies flutter and sway to the sound of the festival drums at the arena

A total of six contingents composed of clustered barangays competed for the grand prize of Php 100,000.00. Declared Champion was Riverside (composed of Bantad, Tanza, Tabi Poras, Tabigue, Lupac, Balogo, Pili, Maligaya and Buliasnin), that impressed the judges with their costumes, festival props, precision  movements and youthful energy. Second placer was two-time champion, Seaside B (Amoingon, Bunganay, Cawit, Tugos and Duyay) who received Php 75,000.00, with Poblacion (Murallon, San Miguel, isok I, Isok II, Mercado, Malusak, Tampus, Mataas na Bayan and Mansiwat), as Third Placer with cash prize of Php 50,000. 

Consolation prizes of Php 20,000.00 each were given to Ilaya A & B (Daypay, Sawi, Agot, Apitong, Boton, Poras, Tagwak, Balimbing, Agumaymayan, Ogbac, Binunga, Canat, Puyog, Bantay, Mahinhin, Puting Buhangin), Seaside A (Santol, Bangbangalon, Laylay, Ihatub, Balaring, Caganhao), and Ilaya B (Daig, Tumapon, Poctoy, Malbog, Maybo, Bamban, Catubugan, Balagasan, Mainit).

Footage from 2012 Bila-Bila Street Dance Competition, Dec. 8, 2012