LOOK: Aerial survey shows effect of mining in Dinagat Islands | ABS-CBN
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LOOK: Aerial survey shows effect of mining in Dinagat Islands
LOOK: Aerial survey shows effect of mining in Dinagat Islands
May Diez,
ABS-CBN News
Published Feb 19, 2017 09:20 PM PHT
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LORETO, Dinagat Islands -- An aerial survey of some mining sites in the province of Dinagat Islands reveals massive destruction in the mountains down to the sea.
LORETO, Dinagat Islands -- An aerial survey of some mining sites in the province of Dinagat Islands reveals massive destruction in the mountains down to the sea.
Dinagat Island was once a beautiful place, rich in green forests and clear blue waters. But due to mining, the effect of environmental destruction has spoiled the scenic views.
Dinagat Island was once a beautiful place, rich in green forests and clear blue waters. But due to mining, the effect of environmental destruction has spoiled the scenic views.
A number of residents have complained about mining operations and are grateful that Environment Secretary Gina Lopez ordered the closure of at least 7 mining operations in Dinagat Islands.
A number of residents have complained about mining operations and are grateful that Environment Secretary Gina Lopez ordered the closure of at least 7 mining operations in Dinagat Islands.
However, not everyone is happy with Lopez's decision.
However, not everyone is happy with Lopez's decision.
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Locals here are divided. Pro- and anti-mining groups engaged in a fiery word war after a forum at the Loreto municipal gym Sunday afternoon.
Locals here are divided. Pro- and anti-mining groups engaged in a fiery word war after a forum at the Loreto municipal gym Sunday afternoon.
Anti-mining groups insist that the destruction affects the lives of residents, particularly farmers and fisherfolk, since the waters of Dinagat Island have become polluted.
Anti-mining groups insist that the destruction affects the lives of residents, particularly farmers and fisherfolk, since the waters of Dinagat Island have become polluted.
But pro-mining groups assert that the government should be fair and consider that mining also helps improve their lives and has brought progress to the area.
But pro-mining groups assert that the government should be fair and consider that mining also helps improve their lives and has brought progress to the area.
In a phone interview, Lopez reiterated that she is simply doing her job of protecting the environment.
In a phone interview, Lopez reiterated that she is simply doing her job of protecting the environment.
She has previously called for "green" industries to replace mining in Dinagat Islands, saying she has learned of 185 possible ecotourism areas in the area that could be developed in place of mines and create enterprises for locals.
She has previously called for "green" industries to replace mining in Dinagat Islands, saying she has learned of 185 possible ecotourism areas in the area that could be developed in place of mines and create enterprises for locals.
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