Spokes of the wheel

The changes that we have longed for years are finally coming into existence, not just in the
political and economic aspects but with the environment as well. We are lucky though to have a very
enthusiastic and patriotic leader whose advocacy is to improve and recover our environment. The
newly-assigned Secretary Gina Lopez of DENR is now making initiative steps that cater to the
welfare of our environment.

Lopez, in an interview said that what really urged her to accept the responsibility is her love
for the country and the people as well. Unlike the former DENR leaders, Lopez started her projects
as soon as she took office. But not everyone is as ecstatic as the rest. Some mining companies that
violate environmental standards aren’t since they are the first target of the Secretary’s project. Six
mining companies have already been suspended since the audit began.

The Secretary believes that it’s about time to change the “unfair” Philippine Mining Act
whereas those who didn’t pass the standard should close their business for good not only for the
reason of violation but because some ancestral lands are being affected by mining and more,
indigenous people are forced to look for other places for settlement. In connection with this, the
ultimate assurance of the secretary was reiterated that no mining company, either small or big, will
be free of the auditing that is being implemented around the country. And DENR will not be afraid of
pursuing closure of the business if found out that they are violating ordinances against the
environment, especially if it affects the health of the majority of the residences. In one of the press
conferences, Lopez announced the suspension of Bulacan Based Mining Development Corporation
due to its failure to comply with ISO 14001 Certification, which is strictly mandated to each mining
company based from the administrative order produced by the previous administration. The ORE
Asia was the eight mining firm that has been suspended for operation by the DENR as Lopez took
office last July 1. The ORE Asia is the only mining company that produces metal in the Philippines;
about 40 million tons of metal was produced last year. The complaints of the residents were
confirmed by the agency for it causes siltation and the river water turned reddish brown. As of the
present, the Lepanto and PHILEX in Luzon, the Atlas Consolidated in Visayas, Oceana Gold in
Region 2, and the FILMINERA in Masbate, is under the auditing process. According to Sec. Lopez, it
is very important to have an immediate action in mining companies for the progress of the industry.
In Zambales, it is said that the mining companies are responsible of the pollution in the rivers and
the destruction of the mountains where in the waters turned red due to the deforestation of 20,000
trees inside the water shed and farms. These are only few of Lopez’s accomplishment in her early
term. We should expect more of her unfailing support to the environment, as what her first months
show.

Lopez, as a leader is an epitome of change. She, herself is showing that we can do

something whether as a solitary figure or a group. Her passion to promote the welfare of the
environment is burning and she wants us too, to develop that kind of passion. Caring for the
environment must not only be seen as a responsibility but also as a passion. The development of
our country lies not just in our leaders but also to its members. The urge to achieve a better
Philippines is only possible if we work hand in hand. People always have that notion that the
betterment of our country solely lies in the government body. Let us change that notion. A wheel is
never a wheel without its spokes. Likewise, great things can never be achieved unless everyone
would put a hand and help in shaping our country. We are all citizens of this country and we’ve got
equal rights in promoting, improving and protecting our very own environment.

And more, it is not that great a burden to take initiative. After all, it’s for the benefit of
everyone. It’s about time we have to stray those selfishness of ours and begin doing things that will
benefit others without expecting something in return. We have seen our environment at its worst. Let
us all say “enough” for that. And how about seeing it at its best? That would be great. With someone
taking the lead and others following the rules, everything is possible.