Petition to Reconsider the 50-Year Mining Moratorium in Palawan

We are writing this petition, deeply personal and close to our hearts, as ordinary citizens who firmly believe in the responsible utilization of our natural resources. As many of us are aware, a 50-year mining moratorium in Palawan has been proposed, a drastic measure that will have far-reaching consequences for our people, our economy, and our future. While the intention may be to protect the environment, this moratorium risks doing more harm than good by depriving communities of economic opportunities, sustainable development, and essential resources that fuel industries crucial to our daily lives.

Palawan is home to vast mineral resources, particularly nickel, which plays a key role in global industries, from technology to infrastructure. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) reports that the Philippines is the world’s second-largest producer of nickel, with Palawan holding a significant portion of this reserve. 

One of the best examples of responsible mining in Palawan is Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC), which has been internationally and nationally recognized for its sustainable mining practices.

 

 

 

Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC) has consistently demonstrated its dedication to responsible and sustainable mining, earning numerous accolades for its environmental stewardship and community engagement. In 2017, RTNMC received the ASEAN Minerals Award for Best Practice in Sustainable Mineral Development, recognizing its efforts in balancing resource extraction with ecological and social responsibility. It has also been a multi-time recipient of the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) in 2002, 2003, 2015, 2018, and 2020, a prestigious recognition for its exemplary environmental management and community development initiatives.

Further proving its commitment to sustainability, RTNMC holds International Organization for Standardization certifications for Quality Management (ISO 9001:2015), Environmental Management (ISO 14001:2015), and Occupational Health and Safety (ISO 45001:2018), ensuring that its operations meet international standards. Beyond compliance, RTNMC has actively contributed to reforestation efforts, restoring thousands of hectares of mined-out areas, and has played a vital role in community development by building schools, hospitals, and livelihood programs that benefit thousands of local residents. These initiatives highlight RTNMC’s dedication to responsible mining, proving that environmental preservation and economic progress can coexist.

 

 

 

If the moratorium proceeds, it will cripple an industry that sustains thousands of livelihoods, resulting in job losses, economic downturns, and declining living standards for countless families who depend on responsible mining for their survival. It will not only affect workers but also local businesses, suppliers, and entire communities that rely on the mining sector to thrive.

Mining does not have to come at the cost of our environment. We are not advocating for unregulated exploitation but rather for responsible and sustainable mining practices. We believe in stricter regulations, better enforcement, and technological advancements that can ensure resource extraction is done with minimal environmental impact. A one-size-fits-all moratorium is not the solution instead, we need policies that differentiate between harmful practices and responsible operations that uphold environmental and social responsibility.

For us, this is not simply a choice between economic progress and environmental preservation. We seek a solution that allows for both—a path where we can harness Palawan’s rich resources responsibly while protecting our ecosystems for future generations. Our island's development should not be stifled by extreme measures that fail to recognize the potential of sustainable mining as a driver of economic and environmental balance.

 

 

 

 

We cannot afford to wait. Now is the time to act. The future of Palawan’s economy, its people, and its potential for sustainable growth is at stake. If we allow this moratorium to pass unchallenged, we risk not only losing economic stability but also failing to create a future where responsible resource management is the standard, not the exception.

Therefore, we urge you to stand with us in calling for the reconsideration of the 50-year mining moratorium in Palawan. Our lives, our livelihoods, and the future of our beloved island depend on it. Sign the petition today. Let our voices be heard. Together, we can pave the way for a future that values both prosperity and preservation.

Thank you.

 

Jovelle Ymryz E. Alisuag

Kezia Gwyn D. Alvarez

Alyssa Mae A. Doydora

Asniah Mae A. Regalado

Diana Mae C. Tan