Mining in Mindoro

Traveled to Mindoro this weekend to visit my mother in Naujan and join the September 10 celebration of our town fiesta.

I missed the 12:30 pm Supercat fastcraft , and had to take the slow boat that took all of three hours to navigate the sea from Batangas City to Calapan City.

At least I had time to read Social Intelligence by Daniel Goleman. Yes, the same author of the bestselling Emotional Intelligence.

The book presents in an accessible form the recent research findings in the little known field of “social neuroscience.” The most fundamental revelation of this new discipline, according to the author is: “We are wired to connect.”

In his earlier book published in 1995, Goleman says that he focused on the individual’s ability to manage our own emotions, and our inner potential for positive relationships. In this book, he focuses on person to person psychology, “what transpires as we connect.”

I made a mental note to do series of blogs on my readings in neuroscience, and their many challenges to my self-understanding of how to educate people and influence them to change.

Halfway to Mindoro, we cruised past Isla Verde, or Verde Islands. I don’t quite know why the area has been declared by a number of scientists as “the world’s richest biodiversity area.” The news appeared in a few months back, and fellow environmental activists agree. It’s a piece of good news for Mindorenos, and also a challenge.

This morning, the staff of MAHAL visited my mother. Although she is 87 and has her share of aches that come with old age, my mother is still chair of the board of this local NGO. I asked them about the campaign against mining in Mindoro.

According to Ned, the executive director of MAHAL, “the issue of mining dropped from public attention because of the elections.” To their surprise, when the smoke from the electoral battle cleared, the local NCIP reported that 200 mining applications have been filed.

There’s even talk of a “new” Mangyan tribe that the mining companies are supporting so that it can get a CADT that would welcome mining exploration.

“What will happen to the rich biodiversity areas when the mine tailings flow into the sea?” They ask.

One reason to hope in the past was the united stand of the communities, the churches and all LGUs. After the recent elections, they worry that some of the newly elected officials may not be as firm or forthright in opposing mining in Mindoro.

Explore posts in the same categories: Biodiversity, Mindoro