Immense victory for nature, Negrosanons

SAGAY CITY has made a unique history in Negros Island just recently. Its Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) courageously said “no” to a proposed copper mining project in their city just last week. This is considered an immense victory-slash-history for nature and Negrosanons amid the onslaught of both climate change and global warming.

Such historic move by the city’s legislators – dubbed as “nature over money” – stunned not just Negros but the entire world.

The proposed mining in Sagay City has been a running issue for months with Tambuli Mining Company, Inc. (TMCI) as the proponent.

TMCI proposed the Sagay Mining Project (TMP) within a 60-hectare land area in Barangay Lopez Jaena. It would extract copper concentrate called chalcocite.

Such a proposal, however, alarmed not just Negros’ environmentalisst but also Catholic churches on the island.

San Carlos Diocese’s Bishop Gerry Alminaza, of course, led the opposition, stressing that TMP would ultimately harm Sagay’s fragile environment.

Bishop Gerry was backed by various groups, including the Sagay Young Tourism Volunteers (SYTV), one of the most vocal organizations against the proposed mining venture.

And they won!

‘VANGUARD OF NATURE’

Having such a decision by Sagay’s SP, headed by Vice Mayor Leo Raafel Cueva, was beyond praise, indeed. An appropriate act, too.

Why?

Sagay City is known in Negros as a “Vanguard of Nature”.Its vast Sagay Marine Reserve (SMR) within the Visayan Sea is a testament to how it values the environment.

SMR for more than four decades now is home to critically-endangered marine species.

Sagay’s Molocaboc and Suyac islands and Carbin Reef – all within SMR - mirror the city’s formidable commitment to environmental protection and sustainable tourism.

This is the reason why, in 2022, Sagay City became one of the Top Green Destination Award recipients in the whole world.

Green Destination Award is an international distinction given by Green Destinations to communities around Europe, America, Africa, Asia and Oceania continents championing the biodiversity conservation.

Sagay’s 32,000- hectare SMR was, indeed, a fitting story for best practices re: environmental conservation and preservation for this international recognition.

‘FATHER OF SMR’

Sagay City must be thankful to its former mayor- turned Negros Occidental governor, the late Alfredo Marañon Jr., or popularly known with his moniker as “02”.

This man dubbed as the “Father of SMR” was responsible in establishing this world-renowned marine reserve in 1970 until it was declared a protected area in the country via Presidential Proclamation No. 592 in 1995.

SMR’s establishment was fueled by “02’ s” anger against rampant dynamite fishing within the Visayan Sea. Two years after, SMR was named a Galing Pook awardee by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

In the succeeding years, SMR also raked in several local, regional, national and international citations due to its “beautiful stories” all about environmental protection highlighted by biodiversity conservation through balanced marine ecosystem.

WISEST DECISION

If TMP i s pursued, Negros’ environmental warriors believed SMR will be terribly affected.

The spillage of wastewater from the mine site, the opposing groups stressed, will greatly harm the marine species currently thriving within this SMR.

Sagay’s Himoga- an River, one of the biggest water tributaries in the city, will also be harmed, the environmentalists projected.

Thanks to Sagay’s SP for listening to the clamor, and for valuing the environment over projected economic gains out of the proposed mining.

They made the wisest decision ever that catapulted Sagay in a unique pedestal as a “historic city” when it comes to winning a “gigantic environmental battle”.

REST IN PEACE

I can safely conclude that “02” can forever rest in peace because what he formidably established for the sake of “Mother Earth” – the SMR – won’t be put in vain or be ruined by any quest for money.

The SP denying TMP by TMCI was an immense victory for enviloving Sagaynons. Having a firm decision against TMCI was truly a remarkable milestone for Sagay City courtesy of the SP and Vice Mayor Cueva.

Such a decision will be part of Sagay’s environmental heritage worthy to be inherited by the next generations.

Thanks, t oo, t o Bishop Alminaza for leading his flock in “ringing a bell” against the proposed TMP.

Majority of Negrosanons are, indeed, subscribers of what Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCarpio had said several times: “Our planet’s alarm is going off, and it is time to wake up and take action!”/