Mountaineering Group Opposes Mining Bid at Sibuyan Protected Park

The Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines Inc. (MFPI) has expressed strong opposition to a bid to introduce mining activities within the protected landscape of Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park in Sibuyan Island, Romblon, warning that the project could threaten one of the country’s most important biodiversity hotspots. In a statement, the federation raised alarm over the reported mining activities of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation within the protected area, calling on authorities to immediately investigate its prospective operations there and to strictly enforce environmental and protected area laws. Altai has not responded to the latest protests. But based on an environmental impact assessment posted in a website of the Environmental Management Bureau, the MFPI may be referring to the proposed development of a nickle mine spanning 1,500 hectares at Romblon’s San Fernando municipality. “MFPI unequivocally condemns any illegal activity that destroys or endangers protected mountain ecosystems,” the group said. It urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Romblon provincial government to promptly look into the reported mining plans and ensure compliance with existing environmental regulations. The federation described Mt. Guiting-Guiting as one of the Philippines’ premier mountaineering destinations, renowned for its technical trails and exceptional biodiversity. Located on Sibuyan Island, often referred to as the “Galápagos of Asia,” the mountain serves as a refuge for numerous endemic plant and animal species, protects critical watersheds, and supports the livelihoods of surrounding communities, the group said. “Any unlawful activity that degrades this protected landscape threatens not only its unique biodiversity but also the natural heritage entrusted to all Filipinos,” the statement reads. MFPI also expressed solidarity with the people of Sibuyan, local communities, conservation advocates, park managers, and other stakeholders working to protect the island’s natural resources. The organization called on the country’s mountaineering community to continue promoting responsible climbing, support science-based conservation initiatives, report environmental violations, and advocate for the protection of mountain ecosystems. “The privilege of climbing our mountains carries with it the obligation to protect them,” the federation said. It added that preserving Mt. Guiting-Guiting and other mountain ecosystems is essential not only for biodiversity conservation but also for future generations of Filipinos. The statement comes amid growing opposition to mining proposals in Sibuyan Island, which is internationally recognized for its rich biodiversity and high concentration of endemic species. /mr