ADDRESSING THE MANGYAN’S CONCERNS

THIS pertains to “Sec. Cimatu, heed Mangyans’ plea” by Ceres Doyo (Opinion, 8/2/18).

We deeply appreciate Doyo’s vigilance regarding the concerns of the Alangan Mangyan tribe over Santa Clara International Corp.

Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu was able to include in his agenda a meeting with tribe elders and villagers during his Aug. 3 trip to Oriental Mindoro. He was accompanied by Department of Environment and Natural Resources officials from the Mimaropa region, as well as technical experts from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), which are both line agencies of the DENR. The meeting was also attended by Oriental Mindoro Gov. Alfonso Umali, Calapan City Vice Mayor Gil Ramirez, and representatives from the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army.

Landslides occurred in the area in December 2015 due to excessive rainfall, unstable riverbanks and shallow river channels. The secretary has instructed the EMB and MGB to implement additional measures to mitigate future hazards in the area. He also assured the Mangyan that the DENR would look further into their case, which he would present during a Cabinet meeting.

Thank you very much for bringing this matter to our attention.

BENNY D. ANTIPORDA, deputy spokesperson and undersecretary for solid waste management and local government units, Department of Environment and Natural Resources