It’s for a golf course, not mining, Baraan says
LINGAYEN—The provincial government’s planned golf course project within a 300-hectare eco-tourism zone here is facing snags with allegations of illegal mining in relation to the clearing operations.
A group of residents have reportedly filed a complaint before the Ombudsman against Governor Amado Espino Jr. Provincial Administrator Baraan, Engr. Alvin Bigay who handles housing concerns in the province, and other officials.
A congressional investigation might also be forthcoming as Partylist Congressman Teddy Casino recently came to Pangasinan and inspected the golf course site.
Baraan said they have yet to receive a copy of the complaint but will be ready to respond. He further said they welcome a congressional inquiry to clear up the matter.
Baraan pointed to “politics” behind the controversy saying some “local politicians” are scheming to make it look like the mining of magnetite sand that is going on in Barangays Estanza, Sabangan, Canpandanan and Malimpec is intended by the provincial government to make money and not merely incidental to the golf course development.
“This is not true,” Baraan said in a press conference last week following the publication of the issue in a national daily.
The provincial administrator explained that after Alexandra Mining Corporation was contracted to clear the area for the golf course, magnetite sand, also known as black sand, was dug up.
Baraan added that lahar sand was also discovered to abound in the area as the Agno River that empties into the Lingayen Gulf is connected to the Tarlac River where lahar from Mt. Pinatubo was flowing.
A consultant, Jose Ochosa, a retired colonel, recommended the removal of the magnetite sand because this would not allow grass and other vegetation that are needed for the golf course to grow.
Thereafter, in June last year, the province entered into an agreement with Alexandra Mining to separate the magnetite sand from pure sand.
However, since the company’s mining license has expired, the Bureau of Mines and Geo-sciences ordered it to cease and desist from operations.
Alexandra was subsequently replaced by Xyber Builders.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has ruled that that the extraction qualifies as quarrying and not mining, thus can be allowed to continue provided that the provincial government has already secured a gratuitous permit.
Carlos Tayag, chairman of the provincial mining and regulatory board, has signed a resolution recommending the issuance of the permit, Baraan said.
The proposed eco-tourism zone was delineated in 1994 through a Presidential Proclamation issued by then President Fidel Ramos.
Espino started planning the development of the area in 2007 when he was first elected governor.
Baraan noted that the officials of the four barangays know about the project, as they were present during the groundbreaking rites in April 5, 2010 with Ramos as guest of honor and speaker and who made the ceremonial tee-off.
Baraan said that aside from the golf course, the place is being eyed to be developed into a world-class resort by a Korean investor and an industrial park is also planned for construction.
As to the fear of residents of the four villages that their areas will be subjected to environmental degradation, Baraan explained that the place will actually be protected and strengthened with the introduction of new top soil and the planting of grass and other vegetation.
As for the mined black sand which is now piled into a hill along the coastline, Baraan said this will eventually be exported following due process.
He stressed that the barangays and the municipality of Lingayen will be given their due share from the income. (with report from PIA-Pangasinan)
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