Support or oppose mining? Save Kalinga, SUMKKADD urge iKalingas to know the facts first

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Whether they support or oppose mining in Kalinga, people should first understand both its benefits and risks before taking a position, organizers emphasized during a symposium on mining and sustainable development held on Monday, July 20, at Red Star in Bulanao, Tabuk City.

Organized by SAVE Kalinga Inc. in partnership with SUMKKADD (Sumkad ti Umili Para iti Matagaoan, Karbengan, Aglawlaw, Daga ken Dayaw) and concerned government agencies, the symposium gathered more than 40 participants from government offices, indigenous communities, civil society organizations, people's organizations, and other sectors.

The activity served as a venue for participants to discuss mining-related issues, seek clarification on government policies, and hear expert perspectives on responsible and sustainable mining.

According to Atty. Ann Ann Dickpus, vice president of SAVE Kalinga, the symposium was not intended to criticize government officials or promote a one-sided position on mining.

Instead, she said its purpose was to raise public awareness by presenting both the positive and negative aspects of mining so that communities could carefully weigh its advantages and disadvantages before making informed decisions.

"Kayat mi nga ipakaawat nga daytoy nga symposium is important to help the public, especially concerned communities, ti importansiya ti expert opinions and information. In this symposium we invited experts from DENR, MGB, and other agencies to help us understand more about mining. Whether we support or oppose mining in Kalinga, we need to be adequately informed, especially kadagiti advantages ken disadvantages na," Dickpus said.

She stressed that informed discussions based on facts and expert knowledge are essential, particularly for communities that may be directly affected by mining activities.

SAVE Kalinga President and Co-Founder Natividad P. Bayubay likewise said the symposium was organized to clarify issues surrounding the issuance of permits for large-scale mining operations and to provide the public with an opportunity to directly engage government agencies, particularly the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

In her opening message, Bayubay underscored the importance of bringing government agencies and communities together to ensure that development is pursued with transparency and accountability.

"Our goal today is to bridge the gap between policy and our lived reality, ensuring that development is pursued with accountability," Bayubay said.

She added that the discussions were anchored on indigenous values that have long guided Kalinga communities in protecting their ancestral lands, natural resources, and cultural heritage.

Bayubay explained that these principles include Bain, which upholds dignity in service and self-respect within the community; Ngilin, which emphasizes respect for boundaries that protect both people and the environment; and Paniyaw, which reminds communities that there are actions that should never be taken and principles that should never be compromised.

The symposium featured presentations from the DENR, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), the NCIP, and other government agencies, which discussed mining laws, environmental safeguards, permitting processes, and the legal framework governing mining operations. DENR representatives also explained the rationale behind encouraging qualified miners to organize and operate under the Minahang Bayan program in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

Participants also shared their experiences and concerns regarding mining and its effects on the environment, livelihoods, ancestral domains, and local communities.

An open forum followed, allowing participants to directly raise questions and seek clarification from resource speakers and government representatives.

The symposium concluded with the presentation of the SUMKKADD petition, which outlines the organization's position and recommendations on mining and sustainable development. Organizers said the petition forms part of their continuing advocacy to promote meaningful public participation and encourage informed dialogue on issues affecting Kalinga's future.

The organizers expressed hope that by bringing together government agencies, experts, indigenous communities, and civil society groups, the symposium would empower iKalingas to make informed decisions—recognizing that whether one supports or opposes mining, understanding the facts must always come first.