Date: Wednesday, 21 September 2011 14:54:08
Subject: MINING IN PANDAN/LIBERTAD

Cesar D. Candari, M.D., FCAP EMERITUS
NV 89074

OPEN LETTER TO THE MAYOR AND SB OF PANDAN

9/20/2011

Dear Honorable Mayor Tan and Members of the SB of Pandan:

I am a native of Pandan. I decided to link up with the ranks of protesters who oppose the planned mining operations on the Northwest Panay Peninsula especially from Pandan and Libertad, province of Antique in Western Visayas in the Philippines.

I am extremely concerned of the familiar catastrophic impact on the environment and the serious health vulnerability they create on the residents of Pandan and Libertad. Contamination resulting from leakage of chemicals are risk of adverse health effects and land and water resource degradation that can last for years or even decades.

If mining areas would be closer by few km. to the next nearest mine in Libertad and Pandan, air quality (dust) impacts from a mine would be negatively significant. Surface water impacts from a wastewater discharge to a local body of water would most be sensitive to fish and aquatic life.

I stand rock-solid and unyielding in my stance against the mining project because I am convinced and threatened by the ill effects and the invironmental damages to these areas.

As Pandananons, we think of Pandan and its barangays as our veritable source of simple, homespun pleasures–a place where one can spend the day lolling on sandy beaches or quiet brooks, green lush forest unmolested by the noise and hustle of any mining scenario, the sanctuary of safety, a place God’s gifts and bounty to us. We come home to savor the nostalgic rejuvenation of values, traditions, relationships, and spirit. It is our home, a place where we belong. These places are endowed with nature’s scenic exquisiteness worth exploring as tourist destinations and attractions with an ambience and aura of a romantic jungle environment. Thus, our affinity to this special place invokes in us a sense of responsibility and protectiveness.I fervently appeal to you, the leaders of Pandan – this is your responsibility to preserve and protect it at all costs and your resolute obligation and commitment. God has given us His gifts and bounty. By safeguarding our people and environment from harm and destruction, you are performing your duty and above all, you leave a legacy to your children the beauty, safety, and wonder of our land. Do not let mining industry plunder be your defeat and failure.

Be with me in this fight against this imminent destruction of our invironment and danger to people’s health. Look at the present with an eye for the future so you will someday avoid coming to terms with the agonizing finality of your loss if you allow your integrity and loyalty to our kasimanwa fall apart and go to wrack and ruin. Say NO TO MINING IN PANDAN AND LIBERTAD.

Signed: CESAR D. CANDARI, MD FCAP EMERITUS