By Melvin Gascon
NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The village council of Barangay Oyao in Dupax Del Norte has formally declared its opposition to the proposed mining exploration of British-owned Woggle Corporation, denouncing the project as a threat to the community’s environment, livelihood, and future generations.
3,102 Hectares Targeted
In an official statement this week, village leaders revealed that the proposed mining activity covers 3,102 hectares across five barangays: Bitnong, Inaban, Munguia, Parai, and Oyao. The area represents about 10 percent of Dupax Del Norte’s total land area.
Barangay Chair Junior Taligan and his council said they refuse to stay silent on what they called a “sensitive, divisive, and destructive issue.”
“Mining exploration poses imminent threats of environmental degradation, water contamination, and destruction of agricultural lands, which are vital to our survival and livelihood,” the council said.
Opposition Mounts
The Oyao council’s declaration adds to the growing resistance in Nueva Vizcaya, following opposition from the Catholic Church, local officials, and civil society groups.
Earlier this month, Councilor Randolph Tominez delivered a privilege speech at the municipal council, criticizing the lack of transparency in the exploration permit and condemning “backroom deals” that allegedly bypassed community consultation.
Records show that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) granted Woggle an exploration permit on August 4.
Lack of Consultation
Barangay Oyao leaders asserted that no genuine consultation with their constituents was ever conducted, a violation of the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) which requires prior consultation and council approval before sensitive projects can proceed.
They invoked the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which guarantees the right to a balanced and healthful ecology, as well as the “general welfare” clause under RA 7160.
Push for Agriculture
Oyao, a known vegetable-producing community, stressed that it supports sustainable agriculture and community-based development rather than mining ventures.
“Let it be clear: we oppose only those activities that exploit and destroy, those that compromise our environment, health, culture, and livelihood,” the council declared.
A History of Resistance
Nueva Vizcaya, a watershed province that supplies water to Cagayan Valley and nearby regions, currently hosts two large-scale mining projects:
- OceanaGold Corp. in Didipio, Kasibu town
- FCF Minerals Corp. in Runruno, Quezon town
Woggle Corp., affiliated with Metals Exploration PLC and FCF Minerals, intends to expand exploration for gold and copper in Dupax Del Norte.
The province, however, has a history of fierce opposition to large-scale mining due to social acceptability issues, environmental risks, and displacement concerns.
As of press time, Woggle and the DENR-MGB have yet to issue a statement regarding the opposition of Barangay Oyao. #