Homonhon Island, Located in the province of Eastern Samar, is home to a diverse plants and animal species. (flora and fauna) an example of the species that is home to the island is a rare bird that the locals call "abukay" (Cacatua haematuropygia) or the Philippine cockatoo, listed by the IUCN as a critically endagered species. During the assessment of the flora and fauna by the Philippine Misereor Patnership Inc. (PMPI) and Visayas State University, it was confirmed that there are other endangered species present on the island such as the Philippine iron wood (Xanthostemon verdugonianus), Visayan tarictic hornbill (Penelopides panini), Giant golden-crowned flying fox (Acerodon jubatus), Philippine tarsier  (Tarsius syrichta) and many others.  The 26,000-acre island is a hotspot for miners, prized for its great mineral deposits which are nickel and chromite. Since 1983 mining companies have been operating in homonhon and is a threat to the life of natures beauties. The mines would affect the forest, fauna diversity and also influence the productivity of the ocean around the island (considering the ridge to reef effect) which is the main source of the livelihood of the residents of homonhon because, It is one of the main traders of fish for the nearby towns. Not only would we loose valuable species, but also affect the environment and the lives of the people. This petition now aims to hasten the bill or law in the philippines that proposes to declare the island as a critical habitat which could and possibly prohibit any mining activities. We now put an effort in the hands of the people. Let us be a reminder that each individual has the power to change what the future could be. We implore you and sign.

P.S. "we are not just a citizen of a country, we are a citizen of the world."  - anonymous