Fernando temporarily lifts mining and quarrying ban in Bulacan

CITY OF MALOLOS – In a follow-up meeting with the mining sector held at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here this morning, Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando announced that the Provincial Government of Bulacan will temporarily lift Executive Order No. 21-2022 on October 26, 2022 which suspends mining and quarrying in the province.

He explained that the mining sector may resume with the quarrying operations based on the guidelines given by the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) wherein applicants and existing holders of special, quarry, and other related permits were given an updated and modified set of guidelines regarding the environmental sustainability of their operations including haulers, blasting companies, processing plants, cement companies and bentonite operators.

He also said that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is now working on the creation of ordinance regarding overloading and quarrying.

“Temporarily, I will resume the lifting of temporary suspension by October 26. Ibig sabihin, kaya ko sinabing temporary, hindi ko bibigyan ng tuldok na regular or permanent because ginagawa pa ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan ngayon ang ordinance ng overloading at pati yung sa illegal quarrying. Iyon ang hihintayin natin at magre-resume tayo sa pagiging regular at permanent,” Fernando said.

In his message, BENRO Head Atty. Julius Victor Degala said that he hopes for a win-win situation for both the PGB and the members of the mining sector.

“Panalangin ko pong maging madiplomasiya ang pagpupulong na ito upang sa ganon ay makahanap tayo ng win-win solution; na panatag ang loob ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan na hindi tuluyang mawawasak ang inang kalikasan; pumasok ang kita sa kaban ng bayan at ang sektor ng pagmimina ay makakapag-hanapbuhay ng matiwasay dahil legal at dokumentado ang lahat ng ginagawa. Sa sektor ng pagmimina, hindi po tayo magkaaway; tayo po ay magka-partner,” Degala said.

Moreover, Fernando stressed out that if they caught one to three individuals or companies who did not comply with the rules and regulations, the PGB will once again implement the quarrying ban that will surely affect those in the mining sector.

He also firmly reminded them to not bribe anybody including him and the watchmen to achieve the purpose of the implementation of E.O. 21-2022.

“Ito po ang tatandaan ninyo; kapag ni-lift ko ito (EO.21-2022), huwag kayong maglalagay at magbibigay ng kotong kahit na kanino na nanghihingi sa inyo. Kapag nalaman ko ‘yan, pati ikaw na nagbigay ay apektado. Gusto ko na kumita kayo ng husto, huwag kayong magbibigay, kahit iyong mga watchman, isumbong ninyo sa akin. Ang mahalaga, be a responsible miner, be responsible to our environment. Please do not tolerate them. Kasi hindi po tayo maaayos kapag ganyan at ipinagpatuloy ang ganito,” the People’s Governor pleaded. ###