We have never experienced a community like this before. Secure. Accessible. Advanced. Our success is rooted in a unique bond between mining and the people it sustains. Mining has been the backbone of our prosperity—creating jobs, providing financial stability, and offering opportunities for generations. It has shaped our community into a place of hope, where every family can dream of a better tomorrow.

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Mining Scholars, Now Criminology Graduates​

Mining Companies, RTN, CBNC, and NAC, Donate Medical Equipments to Municipality Hospital

For decades, mining has done more than just power the economy. It has been a lifeline for our students, our families, and our future. Scholarships have enabled countless young minds to pursue their dreams, while schools have been equipped with modern technologies like iMac computers, upgraded facilities, and fully stocked libraries. Mining has been the key that unlocked opportunities for thousands, helping students escape poverty and build a better life. To take this away is to take away hope—hope for our youth and the generations to come.

The proposed 50-year mining moratorium in Palawan threatens to dismantle all that we have built. Without mining, our schools will lose their most vital funding sources. Students who once dreamed of a brighter future will see their aspirations dashed as tuition fees skyrocket from an affordable 4,000-5,000 pesos to an unaffordable 60,000-80,000 pesos. Families who rely on mining subsidies to send their children to school will be left with no alternatives. Without mining, the economic stability of our community will collapse, leaving behind a trail of lost opportunities, unmet dreams, and diminished futures.

Responsible Mining: A Proven Model for Sustainability and Prosperity

It’s crucial to recognize that responsible mining is not the enemy—it is a key part of the solution. Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC), a leading example of ethical mining, has consistently demonstrated that mining can be both environmentally responsible and community-driven. RTNMC has earned multiple prestigious accolades, including the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) in 2002, 2015, and 2017, and certifications for ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety). These honors are a testament to the company’s commitment to responsible practices, ensuring that mining operations benefit both people and the planet.

But RTNMC’s impact goes beyond certifications. The company’s initiatives in healthcare, education, and infrastructure have directly improved the lives of thousands. RTNMC’s medical-dental missions, free healthcare services, and community-building projects have transformed the lives of many in Palawan. The company has also created jobs, supported local businesses, and contributed significantly to local government revenue, ranking as the second-largest taxpayer in Palawan.

Furthermore, RTNMC has prioritized environmental conservation with its reforestation programs and rigorous adherence to regulatory standards. By investing in the environment, RTNMC is proving that economic growth and ecological preservation are not mutually exclusive—they can thrive together. RTNMC shows us that responsible mining practices can coexist with a healthy environment and a vibrant community.

The proposed mining moratorium is not merely a policy change—it is an existential threat to our community’s future. Without mining, we will lose more than jobs. We will lose the lifeblood of our schools and the financial foundation that supports education for the next generation. We will see the rapid erosion of economic stability, as no other sector in our community can provide the same level of income and opportunities. The reality is clear: without mining, Palawan will face a future of limited prospects and shattered dreams.

It is not that we are blind to the importance of environmental preservation. We share the goal of protecting our natural resources and ensuring a sustainable future for all. But banning mining is not the solution—it is the destruction of the very opportunities that our community needs to thrive. The solution lies in enforcing stricter regulations to ensure that mining remains responsible, ethical, and sustainable, as RTNMC has consistently demonstrated. Mining can and must be done responsibly, ensuring that it benefits both the people of Palawan and the environment.

This isn’t just about the economy—it’s about survival. The loss of mining will dismantle the support structures that help our children succeed, and it will deepen the cycle of poverty. We cannot stand idly by while our future is stolen from us. Our children, our families, and our communities deserve better. Responsible mining, like that practiced by RTNMC, is a crucial part of that better future. We cannot afford to lose it.

We demand that the government act now to ensure that the voices of our community are heard. The proposed 50-year mining moratorium is a direct assault on our future. We are calling for stricter guidelines that will allow mining to continue in a sustainable, ethical manner, while ensuring that environmental protection remains a top priority. Responsible mining, like that practiced by RTNMC, can continue to provide vital opportunities for Palawan’s children, while protecting our natural resources for future generations.

We are not asking for charity. We are fighting for our future—the future of our children, our community, and our environment. Together, we can ensure that responsible mining remains a cornerstone of Palawan’s prosperity. We will not remain silent. We will not back down.

Together, we stand for the future of Palawan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos from Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation.