Mayors back Capitol against dolomite sale

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu mayors have supported the stand of the Capitol against the transport and sale of dolomite in the town of Alcoy.

The League of Municipalities in the Philippines (LMP)-Cebu Chapter has passed a resolution supporting the Cebu Provincial Government in its effort to protect the “terrestrial environment of the Island of Cebu and the Cebuanos’ constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology.”

Led by LMP president, Liloan Mayor Christina Garcia-Frasco, all mayors of Cebu Province’s towns, including Alcoy Mayor Michael Angelo Sestoso himself have signed the resolution.

The LMP Resolution 70 said that if left without examination of its environmental impact, the “persistent dolomite extraction in Alcoy and the consequential damage it will cause the environment of Cebu island violate the constitutionally protected right of the Cebuanos and result in irreparable and unquantifiable harm to them.”

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia earlier issued a cease and desist order against Dolomite Mining Corp. (DMC) and its partner, Philippine Mining Service Corp. (PMSC) after finding out that no public consultation has been done in the Municipality of Alcoy and the Province of Cebu about the transport of the said minerals.

There is also no sign of an Environmental Impact Study on the dolomite extraction in the town.

Through the resolution, the LMP expressed its “vehement and continuing objection” against selling dolomite rocks and other minerals locally which are used as substitutes for sand and gravel, soil conditioner, and other purposes.

The LMP also recommended the Capitol to review the permits of DMC and the PMSC and check whether they have complied with the country’s laws and regulations that ensure the replenishment and restoration of the exploited area.

They also wanted to ensure that the mining companies provide their “contribution to the just and equitable share of all local government units and Cebu Province affected by their projects.”

Early this month, it was found out that dolomite rocks from Alcoy have been shipped to Manila as filling materials for the beautification project of the Manila Bay. — GMR (FREEMAN)