1,000 signatures reached
To: President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., Congress of the Philippines, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Provincial Government of Romblon, Municipal Governments of San Fernando, Cajidiocan an Magdiwang
Save and Protect Sibuyan Island, Philippines
Petition to Protect Sibuyan Island: Stop Mining and Cancel Altai's MPSA
We, the people of San Fernando, Sibuyan Island, the Province of Romblon, and supporters from across the Philippines and the world, respectfully call on our government leaders to immediately halt all mining operations of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation and cancel Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) No. 304-2009-IVB.
Sibuyan Island is internationally known as the "Galápagos of Asia." It is home to one of the most intact tropical forests in the Philippines, hundreds of endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, and watersheds that provide clean water, food, and livelihoods to local communities. These ecosystems are not only vital to Sibuyan—they are part of our shared natural heritage and contribute to climate resilience by storing carbon and protecting biodiversity. It is one of the Philippines most important last ecological frontiers.
The proposed mining activities extend far beyond a single project site. They pose risks to interconnected forests, rivers, watersheds, agricultural lands, coastal ecosystems, and communities. Scientific data and official hazard maps also show that parts of the affected area are susceptible to landslides, flooding, and seismic hazards. Disturbing these fragile landscapes could increase risks to both people and nature.
We are equally concerned that this project continues to face significant opposition from local communities. Genuine public participation and informed consultation are essential in decisions that will affect present and future generations. Development must be guided not only by economic considerations but also by environmental protection, public safety, human rights, and the constitutional right of every Filipino to a balanced and healthful ecology.
We believe that Sibuyan's future lies in sustainable development—strengthening agriculture, fisheries, ecotourism, biodiversity conservation, and climate-resilient livelihoods—rather than extractive activities that may leave irreversible environmental damage.
We therefore respectfully urge our decision-makers to:
- Immediately stop all mining operations of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation on Sibuyan Island;
- Cancel MPSA No. 304-2009-IVB in the interest of environmental protection and public welfare;
- Protect Sibuyan Island's forests, watersheds, biodiversity, and communities for present and future generations; and
- Promote sustainable and inclusive development that respects both people and nature.
Sibuyan Island is more than a place on the map. It is a living ecosystem, a source of life, and a legacy we hold in trust for future generations. Let us choose protection over destruction, and stewardship over short-term extraction.
Why is this important?
Sibuyan Island is one of the world's most biologically important islands. Known as the "Galápagos of Asia," it is home to ancient forests, unique wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, and watersheds that sustain thousands of families. Once these ecosystems are damaged, they cannot simply be restored. The decisions made today will shape the future of Sibuyan's people, its biodiversity, and the climate resilience of future generations.
This petition is about more than one mining project. It is about defending the constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology, ensuring that communities have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their future, and choosing sustainable development over irreversible environmental loss. We believe that protecting Sibuyan Island protects our shared natural heritage—and that true progress is measured not only by economic gain, but by our ability to safeguard life, nature, and human dignity for generations to come.
Every signature sends a clear message that Sibuyan Island matters. Whether you live in Romblon, elsewhere in the Philippines, or anywhere in the world, this is an opportunity to stand for biodiversity, climate action, environmental justice, and responsible governance. Together, our voices can encourage decision-makers to prioritize science, public participation, and the long-term well-being of communities over short-term interests.
Sibuyan Island is one of the Philippines most important last ecological frontiers.
Sibuyan Island is one of the Philippines most important last ecological frontiers.
Join us. Sign the petition. Share it with others. Together, we can help ensure that the "Galápagos of Asia" remains a living legacy for present and future generations.