Legarda opposes mining in Antique to protect environment and livelihoods

Senator Loren Legarda has reaffirmed her strong opposition to proposed mining activities in Antique as the Mines and Geosciences Bureau considers designating four upland towns as mineral reservations.

Legarda emphasized that such projects pose significant risks to the province's cultural heritage, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability, citing recent environmental disasters caused by over-quarrying.

The senator highlighted the importance of protecting two critical protected areas under the ENIPAS Act - the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park and the Sibalom Natural Park - which play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and supporting agriculture and eco-tourism.

Legarda advocated for sustainable industries like agriculture, fisheries, and community-based eco-tourism as alternatives to mining, emphasizing that these are rooted in Antique's cultural identity and provide long-term benefits.

She noted that further mining development would accelerate deforestation and soil degradation, increasing the risk of environmental disasters for local communities.

Legarda called for investments in green technology and sustainable agriculture instead of mining, stressing that such activities represent a short-sighted gamble that sacrifices the future of Antique's communities for temporary gains.