MANILA, Feb. 18, 2012—A network of anti-mining organizations is launching a nationwide movement to protest the ongoing mining activities within the ancestral domain of the indigenous people.
Dubbed as “Thousand Streamer Campaign” (TSC) the movement is a protest against the ongoing sell-out of the country’s mineral resources to local and transnational mining corporations, as well as an expression of unity and support to the struggle of indigenous peoples for self-determination.
About 60 percent of more than one million hectares of land that have been approved for mining explorations are situated within the ancestral domain of the indigenous communities.
The Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (KAMP), which is leading the campaign, will launch the TSC through a press conference at 9 a.m. on February 20 at the College of the Holy Spirit in Manila.
The campaign is being supported by various groups from the Church, academe and other indigenous organizations against mining—Tunay na Alyansa ng Bayan Alay sa Katutubo (Tabak), Kabataan Para sa Tribung Pilipino (Katribu) and Partylist ng Katribu.
A nationwide hanging of streamers against mining will kick off on March 3—the 17th year of the enactment of Mining Act of 1995 and will culminate on its 18th year on March 3, 2013.
The year-long campaign will be highlighted by hanging of streamers denouncing mining during dates significant to mining, environment and indigenous peoples.
Aside from the anniversary of the enactment of Mining Act of 1995, other significant dates include Earth Day celebration on April 22, 2012; International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9, 2012; and Annual Mine Safety Week sponsored by the DENR and Chamber of Mines on the second week of November 2012.
Organizers are urging various sectors and individuals to join the campaign and organize discussion groups, fora, and similar activities to tackle and involve more people in the issue of mining and indigenous peoples’ situation.
Those interested to join may contact the Campaign Secretariat through email:[email protected] or call landline: (02) 412-5340 or Mobile: 0919501661 or 092748793889. (CBCPNews)