Marinduque seeks urgent action on Marcopper mining disaster rehabilitation

The Marinduque Council for Environmental Concerns (Macec) issued a statement Monday urging the provincial government to take swift action in activating a rehabilitation settlement worth approximately $100 million, or about P6.4 billion at current exchange rates. The funds are designated to address environmental damage from the 1996 Marcopper mining disaster, one of the Philippines' worst industrial accidents.

Nearly 30 years after the incident, communities across Marinduque continue to grapple with the ecological aftermath of the disaster. The mining accident resulted in widespread environmental contamination, affecting water sources, agricultural land, and local livelihoods across the island province.

Macec called for the provincial government to convene a rehabilitation council to coordinate implementation of the settlement agreement and ensure timely disbursement of funds. Environmental advocates argue that delays in rehabilitation efforts have prolonged suffering for affected residents and hindered the region's recovery.

The push for urgent action reflects growing frustration among residents and advocacy groups over the pace of environmental restoration efforts. Officials have not yet responded publicly to Macec's demands for immediate government coordination and project implementation.