Aquino and Environmental Protection in Mining

Mining is a large-scale business that mainly focuses in the extraction of metals and minerals on earth. This is a business that can earn a lot of money and revenues for the businessman and government. Workers can also get benefits and income from mining. Environmental protection is disregarded in the mining business. It is very destructive for the environment because of deforestation and pollution that it causes to the area. Chemicals are being used in the procedure and trees are being burnt to be able to do mining.

President Benigno S. Aquino III was lashed out in the recent mining issues since his actions seemed not for the environmental protection but the foreign investors. Three mining companies were attacked by NPA in Claver, Surigao del Norte last October 3, 2011 and heavy equipments were burnt. President Aquino ordered security procedures and condemned the said attack. According to presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, it is for the safety of the investors and fellow citizens that deserves to pursue their livelihood without violence to disturb them. But the attack that happened was said to be for the irreparable damage in the environment that mining caused in Surigao del Norte. Also, it is a punishment for the exploitation of the workers because of repression and displacement in livelihood which was given to foreign investors.

Environmental protection was not sustained in the area which imposed serious health risk to the tribes and residents of Surigao del Norte. There was no proper siltation of dams that could have maintained the environmental protection. High-level of nickels were found in soil and water in their water systems which are above the acceptable level for drinking water. Not only the residents are affected to the pollution but it also damaged their marine resources.

Environmental protection should be the utmost priority in every business and not just trying to have investors for the country. Although economic gain plays an important role in every country but if the environment protection is the one at stake, we should think twice before we decide. If we have money but we have poor health, we will just waste our hard-earned money paying for hospital bills and medicines which we could have used for our other needs. Violence is not acceptable as well since it is not right in every aspect but the government also needs to decide which is best for the country to avoid people in doing violent attacks. Environmental protection should be given the utmost importance since the natural resources is our source for everything.