MINING ACT OF 1995: A Sword of Damocles to the Lumads

By: Ivy Leomen B. Codilla

With the comprehensive industrialization program of the Philippines 2000, the Ramos administration open areas for investments and economic development. The concrete manifestations are the passing of Republic Act 7942 which provides the mechanism and dynamism for mineral resource exploration, development and utilization of land areas. While it is true that development is the absolute necessity in our midst today, however, this could not be restricted. Foreign mining is real decadent that could only threat the live of the lumads.

The R.A. 7942 vehemently displaced the Lumads and worsened their hardsip in claiming the ancestral domain and their right to self determination. Just like the sword of Damocles hanging over their heads, forging the threats of violence, letting the Lumads to suffer unto death.

These are the hard times for them whose lives depended on the land could offer them. As long as these minority people continue to be deprived of access and control over their resources, their living condition will remains. The government clearly failed to protect these people. Governments projects are deemed failure and unable to respond the needs of our people. The imposition of this law inherently brought question: is development for the people or people for development.

This article was published by RESIST, an Official Newsletter of DIOPIMwide Conference on Mining, Environment and People's Access to Resources. Dipolog City. November 23, 1997