Nilo-Watershed Assignment-C1 PDF

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Carac-an Watershed Forest Reserves covers the five parcels of watershed

of Alamio, Panikian RIvers and Sipangpang Falls.


The Presidential Proclamation No. 1747 dated March 23, 2009 declared the
public domain of the said areas.

Carac-an Watershed Forest Reserves Hydrological Features:

★ Carac-an river is the main water source of Cantilan National


Irrigation System with service area of 2,500 hectares and 2,475
farmers.

★ Alamo River is the water source of Cabas-an Communal


Irrigation System with service area of 150 hectares and 124
farmer-beneficiaries.

★ Panikian river is the main water source of Panikian Communal


Irrigation System with service area of 4,080 hectares and 300
farmer-beneficiaries.

★ Buyaan River is the main water source of Buyaan 1 Communal


Irrigation System with service area 225 hectares and 177
farmer-beneficiaries.

Source:
CARAC-AN WATERSHED
CARAC-AN WATERSHED FOREST
FOREST RESERVES
RESERVES ISSUE
ISSUE
In 1993, Marcventure Mining and Development Corporation (MMDC)
obtained a mining permit for a significant area in the Diwata
Mountain Range, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur. Despite an overlap with a
watershed forest reserve, the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) granted an Environment Compliance
Certificate (ECC) in 2008. This watershed is vital for irrigation, water
supply, and biodiversity, including the endangered Philippine eagle
habitat.

Local opposition, especially from villagers and indigenous groups


like Manobo and Badjao, arose due to perceived negative impacts
on ancestral lands without proper consent. The Mayor of Cantilan
strongly opposed the project, while the Mayor of Carrascal
supported it. Despite local government resistance and protests,
MMDC was reported to have initiated mining activities without
authorization, allegedly resorting to bribery.

Protests took various forms, such as marches, a Watershed Defense


Forum, a signature campaign, and legal actions, including a petition
to the Supreme Court. Large rallies and blockades occurred, with
indigenous Badjao temporarily halting mining operations. In 2014,
the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) discovered MMDC mining
outside their concession area with questionable practices, leading to
a suspension. However, the company continued and eventually
obtained approvals to resume operations, becoming one of the
largest Philippine nickel miners despite significant social and
environmental consequences.
RECOMMENDATION TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE
Approaching this matter as a student, a viable strategy involves increasing
awareness and garnering support within and outside the community. Join
forces with local environmental groups, student organizations, and
concerned individuals to arrange informative campaigns, workshops, and
public discussions. Leverage social media platforms to disseminate
information about the adverse e ects of mining on the environment and
community.

Participate in peaceful protests and demonstrations to spotlight the issue,


and consider reaching out to credible news outlets to amplify the
community's efforts. Express the message creatively through artistic means
like murals, performances, or exhibitions.

Collaborate with legal experts or environmental lawyers to explore potential


legal actions, such as filing petitions or seeking court orders, challenging the
legitimacy of the mining operations. Forge alliances with local government
officials who share environmental concerns, conveying the community's
stance and seeking support from politicians who align with these values.

Lastly, to maintain transparent communication with affected indigenous


communities, ensuring their perspectives are acknowledged, and their rights
are upheld. Foster unity among diverse stakeholders
to collectively pursue sustainable alternatives that prioritize environmental
preservation and community welfare.
References:

Scheidel, A. (2019). Marcventure’s mining operations in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines. Retrieved from https://ejatlas.org/print/marcventures-
mining-operations-in-cantilan-surigao-del-sur-philippines

DENR Caraga, D. E. N. R. C. (2015, November 13). Carac-an Watershed Forest Reserves. Retrieved October 1, 2023, from Issuu.Com website:
https://issuu.com/cdo-caraga/docs/carac-an_watershed_forest_reserves?
fbclid=IwAR0taHqXqbgwgHWRGwTDt93DBS8YsImm3zDcN8ntYXkRHjc8GtFPRty7_Vo

Publisher, B. W. (2021). Marcventures Mining records income surge on higher nickel ore exports. In Image. Retrieved from
https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2021/06/09/374307/marcventures-mining-records-income-surge-on-higher-nickel-ore-exports/

Togetheragainstmines, T. (2022). Together Against Mines. In Image. Retrieved from https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100066337159678

Yang, A. (2018, June 9). Anti-mining advocates push for ‘rights of nature’ law. Rappler.Com. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/moveph/204432-
salakyag-rights-nature-anti-mining/

Pinterest, P. (2021). World Environment Day 2021 . In Image. Retrieved from https://pin.it/6HOhLlN

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