4 MIN READ

By ARTEMIO DUMLAO
www.nordis.net

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—A member of the Nueva Vizcaya provincial board has proposed a 50-year moratorium on endorsements and certifications for both large- and small-scale mining applications amid the growing protests against mining in the province.

Board Member Flodemonte S. Gerdan introduced the proposal during the provincial board’s regular session on October 27. He urged his colleagues to support an ordinance that would stop the processing of mining applications, including those for exploration, for an extendable period.

“Patuloy po tayo na humaharap sa issue ng ining sa Nueva Vizacaya,” he said, noting that there are still pending applications in the province. “Ito ay nakakabahagala sa kadahilanang ang ating probinsya ay isang watershed.”

(We continue to face the issue of mining in Nueva Vizcaya…This is worrying because our province is a watershed.)

He emphasized that the watershed supplies water to major infrastructure in Region 2 and has one of the few remaining forested areas in Luzon. He added that residents have long managed and protected local resources, describing the province as the “water haven of the north” and the citrus capital of Luzon.

“Kailangan po tayong manindigan, kailangan po tayong magdesisyon, kailangan po [nating] pag-aralan,” Gerdan added.

(We need to take a stand, we need to decide, we need to study this.)

Two large mines are currently operating in the province: OceanaGold Philippines, Inc. in Brgy. Didipio, Kasibu, with the Philippine government renewing its 25-year Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement in June 2019, following its expiration, and FCF Mining Corporation in Brgy. Runruno, Quezon, whose FTAA remains effective until September 19, 2034.

According to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau records as of September 2025, Woggle Corporation and North Luzon Mineral Resources Corporation each hold an exploration permit. Eight applications for exploration and one for financial and technical assistance are also pending before the bureau.

Legal challenge

Gerdan noted that previous ordinances restricting mining were invalidated by the courts, including the Supreme Court. However, he said they should study and try another approach.

“Ang inyong lingkod ay susubukan pong i-challenge ang ating mga kasamahan at ating mga legal minds sa pamamagitan po ng ordinansang ito,” he stated.

(I will try to challenge our colleagues and our legal minds through this ordinance.)

In May, the Supreme Court ruled that a total ban by local governments on large-scale mines within their jurisdictions violates the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. This stemmed from the 25-year moratorium imposed by Occidental Mindoro, which Agusan Petroleum and Mineral Corporation challenged.

The proposed ordinance did not directly ban mining operations. Instead, it prohibits the endorsement of applications.

The Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations require certain certifications and endorsements from LGUs, particularly the local legislative body, for major mining contracts to demonstrate social acceptability.

Dupax del Norte residents opposing the exploration of Woggle have cited one provision, particularly Section 9 of the IRR, that requires mining exploration proponents to “secure the required proof of consultation with/project presentation to the Sangguniang concerned.” 

Lawyer Fidel Santos, who is part of the legal team assisting residents and anti-mining groups, said that while there was an SC ruling on a blanket ban by LGUs, this particular approach could work.

“Sa tingin ko puwede. Kung ganyan sana ginawa nila noong nag-aapply si (Woggle). No endorsement, no exploration (under the Local Government Code),” he said.

(I think it is possible. They should have done that when Woggle was applying. No endorsement, no exploration under the Local Government Code.)

The measure will undergo review, with all provincial board members sitting on the committee led by the chair of the Committee on Environmental Protection, Natural Resources, and Climate Change. The committee is authorized to adopt its own meeting rules and perform other legal functions. It has also been referred to the provincial legal office for their review and recommendations.

Growing opposition

Opposition to new mining projects in the province continues to grow, gaining support from groups and institutions.

In Santa Fe, Mayor Liwayway Caramat promised to oppose mining projects in her jurisdiction. Two other municipalities have passed measures prohibiting mineral extraction in their areas: Aritao and Bayombong. This follows a League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)–Nueva Vizcaya Chapter resolution expressing “strong opposition” to all pending and future mining applications in the province.

In Dupax del Norte, residents of Brgy. Bitnong and their supporters have reestablished the blockade following the expiration of the court’s Temporary Restraining Order against the protesters on October 30. On October 17, the court sheriff and police forcibly removed the barricade to enable Woggle to proceed with its exploration under a court order.

The Episcopal Commission on Social Action (Caritas Philippines) of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines is the latest to express support for the residents opposing Woggle’s exploration.

 “We recognize that the protection of their environment and watershed, as well as their very lives and livelihoods, is a righteous fight for the people of Dupax del Norte,” Caritas Philippines said in a statement.  

“We call on the Marcos, Jr. administration to immediately act on the valid complaints of the people, including the reported dispersal of the peaceful protests,” it added, “We lend our voices demanding the revocation of the mining company’s permit and for a full stop to all exploration activities.”

Governor Jose Gambito has weighed in by calling for civility, respect for institutions, and open dialogue amid the mining dispute. He said that if the majority of his constituents decide they do not want mining, “so be it,” and called for both sides to find a peaceful solution.# nordis.net/with report from Sherwin De Vera