ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Moratorium on mining in Palawan, to protect indigenous people and territory

Puerto Princesa (Agenzia Fides) – The provincial government of the island of Palawan, in the western part of the Philippine archipelago, has approved a decree imposing a 50-year moratorium on mining on the island, both large and small scale. The moratorium concerns exploration permits, mining agreements and financial or technical agreements in the province. It also prohibits the expansion to new sites for existing mining companies. Palawan Governor Dennis Socrates said that the decisive moment in his support for the moratorium was the summit on mining activity held in April 2024, when he understood that “mining is not only a political issue, but also a moral one.”
The decision came after months of local organizations and Christian communities demanding, including through a petition delivered to civil authorities, better protection taking into account the impact of mining activities on the island. The petition, which called for a 25-year moratorium on mining activities in Palawan, collected more than 100,000,000 signatures in just two months and received support from Christian communities of all denominations, such as the Palawan Ecumenical Fellowship (PEF) and the Catholic Church, which has been following the issue and raising awareness inspired by the encyclical Laudato Sì.
The Bishop of Puerto Princesa, Msgr. Socrates Mesiona, said the measure approved by the government is only the first step to protect the indigenous population and the environment of the province. "Given the negative effects of mining on the livelihoods of farmers, fishermen and local indigenous people, we must be constantly vigilant so that all its intentions and objectives are truly observed and followed," he said.
In November 2024, the Catholic Bishops of the island had issued a pastoral letter calling for an immediate halt to the expansion of mining activities in Palawan (see Fides, 9/12/2024). The Bishops expressed concern over the growing number of mining exploration permits in the province, which have now been suspended. Currently, 11 mining activities are underway in Palawan, covering about 29,000 hectares of territory.
According to the Philippine Nickel Industry Association, by imposing a 50-year moratorium, the provincial government has exceeded its prerogatives and violated the Constitution. The business group has proposed a dialogue with local authorities to negotiate an alternative path. The current context is marked by the electoral campaign, as the Philippines prepares for local and national elections that will take place in May 2025. In the Catholic community of Palawan, there are calls to give priority to candidates who are committed to protecting the lives of indigenous people and the natural environment of the island. "We need politicians with sound principles, who are sincere in their desire to serve the common good," said Bishop Mesiona. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 10/3/2025)

Share: