Romblon submits 31,000 petition signatures against Sibuyan mining

CALAPAN CITY — Romblon provincial leaders presented more than 31,000 constituent signatures to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Wednesday, calling for a ban on large-scale metallic mining on Sibuyan Island.

The petition was submitted by Governor Trina A. Q. Firmalo-Fabic, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Cary V. Falculan, and San Fernando Mayor Fernando U. Marin, along with representatives from environmental organizations. The move represents widespread opposition among residents to proposed mining projects in the ecologically sensitive area.

Sibuyan Island, located in the waters between Romblon and Oriental Mindoro provinces, is known for its biodiversity and marine resources. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the potential impact of large-scale mining operations on the island's ecosystem and the livelihoods of local fishing communities.

The submission of the petition marks an escalation in community efforts to protect the island from extractive industries. Provincial officials emphasized the importance of preserving Sibuyan's natural resources for future generations while maintaining sustainable economic opportunities for residents.