Veteran broadcaster Ted Failon weigh the pros and cons of mining in the Philippines and assess if the revenues generated from it are worth its negative impacts on the environment. This was aired on June 16 in "Failon Ngayon.
Mining experts estimate that the Philippines' potential mineral resources are reportedly worth P54.5 trillion, which could possibly pay the country's large foreign debt. But in exchange of this fortune, mining poses calamities and serious health hazards.
Ruthless deforestation in the mountains of CARAGA, the Philippines' mining capital, caused severe flooding in several areas that took the lives of many locals. Meanwhile, residents in Claver, Surigao Del Norte, have acquired various lung illnesses, cough, and flu due to the harmful matter and gases emitted by mines in the area. Even their beaches turned red and were rendered unusable as an effect of Laterite.
Does the country benefit enough from the environmental impacts of mining? Is it worth destroying our natural resources considering that only 2% of the price of every exported mineral product goes to the government?
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