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.