GOVERNMENT AGENCIES MUST PUT AN IMMEDIATE STOP TO THE ILLEGAL QUARRYING AND RECLAMATION ACTIVITIES IN CORON, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES.

We, Sagip Coron, Palawan, represent concerned citizens and residents of Coron, Northern Palawan, Philippines. Coron Island has been declared under various laws as a National Reserve, a Tourism Zone and Marine Reserve, a Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve, a Priority Protected Area and is included in the World Heritage Site (Tentative List) as Natural Biotic Area.

We are seriously and urgently concerned that quarrying and reclamation activities have been undertaken in Coron without letup despite non-compliance with environmental requirements, absence of pertinent regulatory permits, and the failure to undertake genuine public consultations with the Coron residents.

The Coron residents were not properly informed of the purpose and specifications for the quarrying and reclamation and whether the so-called infrastructure development projects are based on an updated comprehensive land use plan, annual development plan and annual investment plan. Our Constitution, the Local Government Code and various environmental laws provide for participatory processes in the pursuit of development projects. Sadly, we did not see the implementation of these policies and laws in Coron.

Hills and mountains have been demolished because of quarrying activities for the reclamation project and the harmful impacts are already being experienced by Coron residents. Massive siltation has occurred in our mangrove and coral reef areas. Mangroves that support sustainable coastal and marine ecosystems have been destroyed because of the reclamation activities. The pollutive dust generated by such quarrying and reclamation activities have endangered the health and safety of Coron residents. Such extractive and infrastructure development activities have resulted to the flooding of the town.

Clearly, these so-called infrastructure development and related activities have threatened the only natural resources and environmental assets that Coron has, and which have provided livelihood opportunities to its community of fisherfolks, farmers, indigenous peoples, and micro-small entrepreneurs. We deeply deplore that Coron’s political leaders have allowed these destructive projects to continue. Concerns on potential corruption and bribery need to be investigated.

We demand that quarrying and reclamation activities have to immediately stop and a comprehensive study must be done to determine the need and appropriateness for such quarrying and reclamation activities.

As stewards of our resources, we compel our government agencies to uphold and safeguard our constitutional right as a people to a “balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature” and implement any and all means necessary and appropriate in order to stop the further destruction of our mountains and coastal areas and to commence their immediate and full rehabilitation.  

We urge the friends of Coron and fellow advocates for Mother Nature to lend their wholehearted and full support for Coron and its people in their time of gravest peril to protect their environment and help restore Coron's pristine beauty that is a rare ecological wonder in the world.