Date: Wednesday, October 12, 2011 5:12 PM
Subject: manifesto ; SAVE Northwest Panay Peninsula – NO MINES in the Protected Area

Hon. JUANITA T DELA CRUZ
Municipal Mayor
Sebaste, Antique

Dear Mayor Dela Cruz,

I am a member of Pagtatap Philippines. We are a group of Pandananons who work towards preserving, protecting, and improving the lives and environment of our hometown Pandan and its neighboring towns.

We are now in the throes of waging our campaign against the mining of iron ore in the barangay of San Roque in Libertad. San Roque is part of the Northwest Panay Peninsula that is a protected area under Presidential Proclamation 186. The Proclamation acknowledges the existence of many species of plants and animals that are unique to our area but are in danger of extinction if not protected.

We are appalled that DENR has approved an ECC for the mining operation in San Roque and that some of the government officials are also in favor of it. Our concerns extend beyond the ill effects of the mine on the rare creatures and plants in the Peninsula because we are deeply worried that our health, environment, and quality of life will be adversely affected as well. That is why we are campaigning against the mine.

Please help us with our cause. Help us dissuade the government officials from supporting the mine.

Sincerely,
Mimi Ortega
Pandan, Antique
Pagtatap Foundation Inc