By ILOILO – The people of Pan de Azucar Island in Concepcion, Iloilo, through the Save Pan de Azucar Island Movement (SPDAIM) expressed their gratitude to those who supported their recently conducted Prayer for a Cause Activity last April 13, 2024. Said activity was joined by the residents of the island, environmental advocates, faculty, and students of various schools, especially ISAT-U, pastors, and others.
The local government unit of Barotac Viejo together with the Barotac Viejo District Jail, students from UP Visayas, and members of MASIPAG-Visayas in San Dionisio also showed their support through candle lighting in their respective areas.
Said activity, according to SPDAIM, was conducted to express their gratitude and to celebrate the victory of the people of Pan de Azucar after the Iloilo Provincial Government issued, a cease-and-desist order to stop the mining exploration of the TVI Resource Development, Inc. It can be noted that said order was issued last March 4, 2024, because of possible Arsenic contamination of the island’s groundwater.
According to SPDAIM, their efforts continue and they are currently conducting petition signing to oppose the possible mining activity on the island. The SPDAIM is calling on the government to be with them in defending the island and not renew the permits of the mining companies for the extension of their mining exploration./PT
