By Nimfa Estrellado DILG, Task Force Kalikasan, and MENRO meet with Sariaya Council on December 18th to discuss halting quarrying operations...
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| DILG, Task Force Kalikasan, and MENRO meet with Sariaya Council on December 18th to discuss halting quarrying operations. (Photo from Demia Perez Maghirang) |
SARIAYA, Quezon - "We heard the voices of our people loud and clear," declared Councilor Demia Perez Maghirang, Chairman of the Committee on Land Use, addressing the widespread community opposition to quarrying in Sariaya. "Their fear and concern for Sariaya's future resonated deeply within the council," she added, emphasizing the Sangguniang Bayan's commitment to representing the will of the people.
This sentiment culminated in a landmark decision on December 18, when the council voted to permanently end quarrying within municipal limits. The decision, a direct response to the fervent "No To Quarry" movement, prioritizes the long-term well-being of the community and its natural resources. It also signals a shift towards sustainable development in the municipality, recognizing the inherent value of Sariaya's natural heritage and the importance of preserving it for the next generations.
The ban on quarrying comes amidst heightened scrutiny of such practices in Quezon Province, particularly in Sariaya. Recent reports from environmental groups like Tanggol Kalikasan have detailed the destructive impact of quarrying operations along the Lagnas River, including the use of dynamite that has caused tremors felt by nearby residents. These reports also highlighted concerns about illegal quarrying operations encroaching on the buffer zone of the Mount Banahaw - San Cristobal Protected Landscape (MBSCPL), a critical biodiversity area.
Sariaya Mayor Marcelo Gayeta has been a vocal opponent of quarrying in the municipality. In June, he declared, "There will be no more quarry operations in Sariaya," emphasizing his commitment to ending all quarrying activities and urging residents to report any suspicious or illegal activities.
Mayor Gayeta has remained steadfast in his opposition to quarrying. Following a recent incident where a truck carrying quarried materials was intercepted, he reiterated his position, stating, "I'm not violating the moratorium order by Gov. Tan," and vehemently denying any involvement of the local government in illegal quarrying activities. His consistent actions have further solidified the municipality's commitment to protecting its natural environment.
The December 18th Committee Meeting saw a convergence of key stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Sariaya Task Force Kalikasan, and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO). This collaborative effort underscores the municipality's commitment to transparency and public participation in local governance.
A compelling presentation by MENRO designate, John Carlo Manalo, exposed the alarming degradation of the Lagnas River within the existing Quarry Zone. "The evidence was undeniable," Councilor Maghirang confirmed. "The time for action to protect our environment and the health of our people is now."
Provincial DILG Cluster Head, Don Ayer Abrazaldo, validated the community's concerns, emphasizing the council's responsibility to address them. This reinforces the crucial role local governments play in upholding environmental laws like the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act.
The Sangguniang Bayan, with strong support from Councilors Ofelia Villapando, Minerva Remo, Renz Marcuap, Mario Medrano, and Romulo Gayeta, voted unanimously to amend the 2018 Zoning Ordinance. Originally enacted to regulate land use and development within the municipality, the ordinance previously designated specific areas for quarrying activities.
With this amendment, the Sangguniang Bayan effectively abolishes the designation of quarrying zones, reclassifying these areas for Public Utility and Tourism development. Sariaya now joins a growing number of Philippine municipalities embracing eco-tourism, leveraging their natural and cultural heritage for sustainable economic growth.
"This is not just an end to quarrying," Councilor Maghirang emphasized. "It's a new beginning for Sariaya, one focused on the well-being of our community and a commitment to sustainable development."
Acknowledging the potential impact on quarry operators and workers, Councilor Maghirang pledged support for a just transition. "We will work together to find solutions and ensure that no one is left behind in this process," she assured.
Quarrying, while providing materials for construction and infrastructure, has significant environmental consequences. These include habitat destruction, deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. Quarrying operations often generate noise and dust pollution, which negatively impact air quality and public health.
Moreover, quarrying has long-term effects on the landscape. The extraction of rock and soil can destabilize slopes, increasing the risk of landslides and erosion. This is particularly concerning in ecologically sensitive areas like the Mount Banahaw - San Cristobal Protected Landscape. By ending quarrying, Sariaya takes a crucial step towards mitigating these risks and protecting its valuable natural resources for future generations.
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