DENR orders study on cause of C Oro floods

MANILA, Philippines - Environment secretary Jose Atienza Jr. ordered Monday a thorough study on the causes of flooding that devastated Cagayan de Oro City in past weeks. Atienza also directed the suspension of the issuance of environmental clearance certificates (ECCs) to small- and large-scale mining and logging projects in Northern Mindanao. "I have ordered my senior officials, including the National Mapping and Resources Information Authority (NAMRIA), to immediately conduct a comprehensive study on the causes of massive flooding in Cagayan de Oro City. While climate change is now a reality, we still have to look at the possibility that illegal activities such as illegal logging and illegal mining may be the main factors for such incidences," he said in an article on the environment department website. The suspension of issuance of ECC to both mining and logging projects will last until the comprehensive study has been completed, he said. He pointed out reports of 780 small-scale mining operations in Region 10 is very alarming. "Until the study is completed, there will be no addition of ECCs in the region," he said. Atienza announced his orders during the morning flag ceremony at the DENR grounds in Quezon City. Various groups had blamed illegal logging and illegal mining for massive flooding in the city. Atienza said that while the local government is responsible for the issuance of small-scale mining permits, the DENR, through EMB and its regional offices, grants ECCs to small scale mining projects. "If these unfortunate happenings were brought about by abuse of our natural resources and environment, we at the DENR, particularly those at Region 10, should be held responsible. We have to ascertain, we have to verify, that's why I am ordering a thorough study," he said. - GMANews.TV