File photo.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources or DENR has temporarily barred, at least for a month, the operation of mining companies in Puerto Princesa and Zambales.
According to DENR Sec. Gina Lopez, such companies will be subjected under an auditing process to check if they pass the existing technical, social and environmental standards of the agency.
Once proven that they have been operating despite failing the standards and receiving bribes from local officials, they will be punished.
Meanwhile, Sec. Lopez assured to give assistance to residents who have been affected by the unlawful mining process.
Included in the livelihood assistance are trainings on horticulture and animal husbandry that could be used once the place has been turned into eco-tourism site.
“I want you to know that DENR is not only for regulation. What I want to do is not just to suspend but to stop the mining operations because many people are suffering from it,” said Lopez.
Residents are hoping that the Duterte administration will be able to implement better policies such as responsible mining to stop the mining process that damages the health of the residents and the environment.
(UNTV News and Rescue)
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