Groups from various sectors in Davao City on Wednesday vowed to stand by Gina Lopez as they campaigned for her confirmation by the Commission on Appointment as secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Speaking during the Habi at Kape media forum at Abreeza Mall, Atty. Romeo Cabarde Jr., chairperson of the University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council of Ateneo de Davao University (UCEAC-ADDU) said these groups, coming from different walks of life, converged for a common purpose and driven by their faith on the DENR secretary.
“Our call is simple: First confirm her (Lopez) appointment as DENR secretary. Second, we are hoping that President Rodrigo Duterte would sustain his decision on the closure of these mining firms which destroys our lands and waters,” Cabarde told the reporters.
Cabarde said a number of communities will be affected by the closure of these mining firms but stressed the advantages of this move to the people and the environment.
“Yes, it is difficult to find a new job, but I do believe it is more difficult to find a new earth,” Cabarde emphasized.
Davao-born artist Joey Ayala of Bagong Lumad band, also known for his musical expression advocating for the protection of the environment and the conservation of natural resources, stressed that a review should be made on the existing laws of the country particularly the corporate law and the mining law.
“We cannot allow people doing irreversible damage hiding behind these laws,” said Ayala.
Ayala added there is no such thing as “sustainable development” because it is against the law of nature. He stressed some politicians only use this as an excuse to attain their personal motives.
“Climate change is a way of thinking,” said Ayala as he pointed out the degradation of environment is caused by commercialization and irresponsible use of natural resources.
Roldan Gonzales of Our Rivers Our Life (Gitib-Orol) said several groups will gather in support of Lopez on areas of struggle particularly Surigao, Zamboanga del Sur, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Agusan tentatively onMarch 1 or 2, the same date set by Commission on Appointment to decide for the confirmation of Lopez as DENR secretary.
“If we were able to gather 12,000 heads during the funeral of Jimmy Liguyon, we will gather 14,000” declared Jean Lindo of Panalipdan Mindanao as she recalled the killing of anti-mining indigenous leader Jimmy Liguyon in 2015 because he refused to support mining interests on indigenous lands.
Finally, Cabarde expressed his optimism on Lopez’ confirmation as he saidCommission on Appointment’s denial would be a “sad day” for Philippine governance.
“No other person is fit for the position of DENR secretary but Gina Lopez,” stressed Cabarde.
The multi-sectoral group consists of University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council of Ateneo de Davao University (UCEAC-ADDU), Gabriela Women’s Party, Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (MASIPAG) Mindanao, Panalipdan Mindanao, Our Rivers Our Life (Gitib–Orol), Interface Development Interventions (IDIS), Ananda Seva Mission and Bagong Lumad band.
