We, concerned citizens of Nueva Vizcaya and supporters from across the Philippines, strongly oppose the planned mining operations in Dupax del Norte.
Our province is known as the Watershed Haven of Region II, supplying clean water to farms, households, and communities downstream. Dupax del Norte’s fertile lands sustain generations of farmers and provide food security for many families. Allowing large-scale mining here will endanger our environment, livelihoods, and cultural heritage.
Why We Oppose the Mining:
- Threat to Water Sources – Mining can pollute rivers and irrigation systems with silt and heavy metals, affecting agriculture and drinking water.
- Damage to Agricultural Lands – The proposed site covers farmlands and forests essential to local food production.
- Risk to Biodiversity – Our forests are home to endangered plants and animals; mining will destroy their habitat.
- Cultural and Community Impact – The area is part of our heritage and is home to Indigenous Peoples whose free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) is required under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (RA 8371).
- Violation of Local Laws – Nueva Vizcaya has an Environment Code prohibiting destructive mining practices such as open-pit operations.
Our Call to Action:
We urge the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region II, and our local leaders to:
- Deny any mining permits or Environmental Compliance Certificates for the project.
- Enforce the Nueva Vizcaya Environment Code and uphold national environmental protection laws.
- Protect our watersheds, forests, and agricultural lands for present and future generations.
Mining may bring short-term profits to a few, but it will leave long-term damage to our land, water, and community. We call on all Filipinos to stand with us in defending Dupax del Norte from destructive mining.
Sign this petition to show the DENR, MGB, and our lawmakers that the people say NO to mining in Dupax del Norte!
