Tampakan Forum is a technical working group on the Tampakan mining issue convened by the Philippine MisereorPartnership Anti-Mining Inc. (PMPI) in collaboration with Social Action Marbel, AlyansaTigil Mina (ATM), Philippine Association for Intercultural Development (PAFID), Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center-Friends of Earth Philippines (LRC-KSK), Philippine Indigenous Peoples Links ( PIPLINKS) and the International Working Group on Mining in the Philippines and IUCN CESP-SEAPRISE.

Here is the press statement:

Press Release 24th March 2012

“The Tampakan Mine has a High Potential for Loss of Life and

High Environmental Damage if the Facilities fail”

Our working group have repeatedly warned Xstrata about the dangers of the Tampakan SMI mining project [1] and commented on the inadequate environmental studies but they have failed to listen. We are told that they have not even consulted the current Secretary of the Department of Agriculture. The result is that the proposed Tampakan mine represents all that was wrong about mining under the previous Philippine administrations which made mining a priority program of the government, undermining the Department of Agriculture’s responsibilities for food production and causing rampant human rights and environmental violations and anxiety for affected communities.

In our view it is not ‘responsible’ to mine in vital water catchments in the mountains of Tampakan in South Cotabato which support agricultural production in the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and Davao del Sur. We believe the Tampakan copper-gold project will become one of the most dangerous mines in the world if it is approved. We totally agree with the SMI’s consultant engineers who determined that: “The Tampakan Mine has a high potential for loss of life and high environmental damage if the facilities fail” [page 42 Waste Management Report. Appendix A. SMI Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) 2011]. We totally disagree that Xstrata/Indophil/SMI can design the facilities to survive seismic activity and climate change including tropical cyclones forever.

The facilities include the mine itself which will leave an 800 meter deep pit (mine void) which we believe will leak acid mine drainage into the surrounding water tables and water courses and a 300 meter high pile of 1.35 billion tons of waste rock, high in arsenic and with a high potential for acid mine drainage. That area covers 500 hectares. The other mine facilities include two dams, one of which is 0.8 km long and 150 meters high; the other is 2.1 kms long and 280 meters high, covering over 1,000 hectares and situated just above the Mal River NIA irrigation dam. One dam will store fresh water while the tailings dam will store some 1.35 billion tons of toxic waste rock and tailings rich in arsenic and water with high potential for acid mine drainage. Any spill is likely to cause loss of life, damage to aquifers, to other water resources and to agriculture. The Tampakan mine is envisaged in an area of high seismic activity and the concession area itself is situated over geological fault lines and a cluster of dormant strato volcanoes within 12 kms of Mount Matutum, an active volcano. All these factors are a sure recipe for disaster in the not too distant future. Hundreds of tailings dams have failed as reported by UNEP. [2] We do not believe that dams can be designed to last forever where tropical storms, typhoons, heavy rains and seismic activity are a constant threat. Induced seismic activity can cause even more damage.

Approximately 4,000 hectares of forest, including 1,350 hectares of Rainforest, are targeted to be destroyed to make way for the project according the ESIA. Presidential Executive Order No. 23 forbids forest destruction. The Climate Change Commission predicts that Central Mindanao will have 20% less water in 20 years so the remaining forest cover is essential to maintain water supplies. Now that the facts are known, why are SMI/Xstrata/Indophil still trying to proceed and endeavouring to change the law and judgement of the Provincial authorities in South Cotabato? Surely, this is not responsible mining?

Ordinances Banning Open Pit Mines. The Provincial Government of South Cotabato to up-hold Philippine laws designed to protect water catchments and Human Rights passed a comprehensive Environment Code in June 2010 banning open pit mining in the province. This we commend. Indeed the other affected Provinces should take similar action as the known and unknown risks are too high to do otherwise. In enacting open-cast mining ban ordinances, local governments are acting in accordance with their obligations and autonomous powers under both the Constitution, and the Local Government Code of 1991. They also act as a check and balance mechanism on national government powers and policies and they should be supported for upholding environmental and human rights laws.

Inducements. Miners should be prevented from providing financial support or inducements to politicians and others to support mining against those who oppose and seek to promote sustainable alternative livelihoods and policies to protect the rights of communities and promote a healthy environment.

Precautionary Principle. The 1990 Bergen Declaration on Sustainable Development declares: “In order to achieve sustainable development, policies must be based on the precautionary principle. Environmental measures must anticipate, prevent and attack the causes of environmental degradation. Where there are threats of serious and irreversible damage, lack of scientific certainty, should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation”.

Therefore the proposed Tampakan mine should not be allowed to proceed.

Clive Montgomery Wicks on behalf of himself and Dr Robert Goodland

Conservation and Development Consultant

(Specialising on Impact of Oil, Gas, Mining and Biofuel Projects)

Member of London Working Group on Mining in the Philippines (WGMP-UK)

Member of IUCN-CEESP (IUCN Commission on Environmental, Economic & Social Policy)

Member of SEAPRISE (CEESP Theme on the Social and Environmental Accountability of the Private Sector)

Hare’s Holt, Orestan Lane, Effingham, Surrey, KT24 5SN, UK,

Tel No + 44 (0) 1372 452258 Mobil + 44 (0)7806064784

Working Group on Mining in the Philippines   Reports Co-author of Philippines Concerns and Conflicts (2007)  &  Philippines – Mining or Food? (2010)

http://philippinesminingorfood.blogspot.com

Responsibilities:

1. Assist in the planning and design consultation process with stakeholders;
2. Draft design development drawings based on the results of consultation;
3. Assist in coordination meetings with engineering consultants and undertake the necessary revisions to the plans;
4. Coordinate with consultants for the completion of contract documents and other requirements of the project;
5. Submit and follow-up release of applications for necessary permits for the construction and occupancy/use of the infrastructure.
6. Supervise project construction in coordination with the local community.
7. Ensure that delivery of outputs is according to specifications and approved time table.
8. Consult the HSE Program Director on matters requiring decisions to implement changes in construction projects.

 Qualifications:

Education: A graduate preferably of architecture or civil engineering with knowledge in design and construction of institutional buildings and small community infrastructures

Work Experience: At least 1 year experience in construction supervision or management. Knowledge and experience in permitting process and requirements for building construction is a must.  Experience in materials and services procurement is also a must.  Experience and knowledge of the institutions and processes of the NGO system in the Philippines preferred. Experience in direct community interaction related to human settlements and environment issues and disaster risk reduction is an advantage.

Language: Fluency in English and Tagalog with excellent drafting ability essential

Other Skills: Knowledge of relevant institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to building construction and disaster risk management. Knowledge of the institutions and processes of TAO-Pilipinas, Inc., an advantage. Strong desire to work with the poor.

How to Apply:

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement. Applications may be sent through email or fax. Include the Vacancy Announcement Number HS/E- CA-001-2012 in the subject heading.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Application Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Two (2) recommendation letters from former employers or professors.
4. Include preferred salary.

Applications will be acknowledged where an e-mail address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received.

All short listed candidates will be notified on or before April 16, 2012.

Be sure to read the full details of the job vacancy here before applying.

E-mail: tao_phil@yahoo.com

Fax: +632 441 0998

2. Responsibilities : As ET program staff, the incumbent shall

a. directly report to the ET Program Director and TAO Executive Director;

b. assist in the preparation of participatory training/workshop modules and tools on community planning and development; community-based solid waste management; technical capability building for community leaders; community-based disaster risk management for sites and buildings;

c. coordinate with resource persons and assist in organizing staff development activities;

d. coordinate with resource persons and assist in organizing livelihood development activities for TAO’s partner POs;

e. facilitate planning and design workshops for community-based organizations, non-government organizations, local government units and government agencies;

f. undertake training needs assessments and project monitoring and evaluation activities;

g. prepare program and project reports; and

h. undertake other tasks assigned by the Executive Director.

 3. Qualifications : Applicant should be female; with university degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering, and/or Environmental Planning (or related field); has strong communication skills (written and spoken) and fluent in Tagalog and English; with fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software applications (e.g. word processing, excel, powerpoint, photoshop); and preferably with work experience in a non-government organization or similar environment.

4. Renumeration : Depending on the applicant’s professional background and experience, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. The selected applicant should be able to report for work as soon as possible.

5. How to apply : Please send application letter and curriculum vitae with two (2) work-related references to Geraldine Matabang, ET Program Director. Applications may be sent through email or fax.

Email : info@tao-pilipinas.org

Fax : (632) 441-0998 / 436-7301

For old issues of the YP Enewsletter, please click here.

Dear Partners

In the busy-ness of December due to year end assessment, evaluation, planning and reporting woes, and not to mention christmas-new year preparations, we are called to responding to the victims and survivors of typhoon Sendong. From the network , members from three clusters were directly hit and affected

Early on an appeal for donation and support was flag to the network. Thanks to those who responded to the call. Several partners responded and directed their support to partners in the area. Cash Donations amounting to Php 120,000 was likewise raised – (SFIC sisters through Sr Cres, and MODE thru Fr Ben Moraleda) We will send this donation to specific areas the donor specified.

Likewise, we extend our thanks to Misereor thru Elmar for reaching out to our partners. Funds will be released to three cluster which were most affected by typhoon Sendong – Cabustam Cluster (via Balay Mindanaw which is the lead in relief work and coordinating with other ngo’s and church groups), and possibly to Dopim Cluster and the Negros Cluster.

Currently the three affected clusters/members are doing their modest share to the huge and overwhelming needs of affected people and communites. More helping hand is needed. For more donations and support please direct this to the following:

For Cabustam Cluster: (Cagayan de Oro)

Balay Mindanaw

53A, 12th Street, Zone 2, Upper Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City

Mindanao, Philippines

Bank Account:

Account name : BALAY MINDANAW FOUNDATION, INC

Account no : 2044006882

Bank Names : Bank of the Philippine Islands Cagayan de Oro City

For Negros Cluster (Negros Oriental-Dumaguete)

St Catherine’s Family Helper Inc

155 L. Rovira St., Bantayan 6200 Dumaguete City

Bank Account Details:

Account Name: St Catherine’s FHP Inc.

Account Number: 1083-2370-62

Bank Name: Bank of the Philippine Islands

Perdices St. Dumaguete City

For Dopim Cluster – Iligan

Social Action Center of Iligan

Bishop’s House, Isabel Village, Palao, 9200 Iligan City

Bank Account Details:

Account Name: Social Action Center

Account Number: 418290500013

Philippine National Bank – Iligan City

Other partners in the National Capital Region and Central Visayas are actively giving support and donations to affected partner communities in the form of volunteer work, relief goods and financial support

Likewise, FYI donations in kind, try to check and avail of Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and LBCs offer to ship goods to its destination for free or minimal cost.

Lets continue to support each other in this time of grave difficulties.

 To all our partner networks who helped in the relief efforts and continue to do so, thank you so much. Your efforts are well appreciated.

We are also conducting relief operations to these Navotas communities. In light of this, we are asking for donations that we could give to our partner communities. Monetary donations can be deposited to our bank account with the following bank details:

Monetary donations will be used to buy construction materials for house repairs. You may also donate by giving food packages such as noodles, canned goods, sacks of rice; clean and usable clothes and blankets; old tarpaulins; and usable pots and pans. You can drop off your donations at our office in 27-A Matiyaga St. Barangay Central, Diliman, Quezon City. For further questions on how you can help our partner communities, you can email your inquiries at info@tao-pilipinas.org or tao_phil@yahoo.com

We would also like to extend our gratitude to all those who have already donated and helped in our initial relief efforts. Photos of the relief operation will be posted soon.

*Editor’s Note: a more updated version of the Post-Pedring Assessment is given in the 2nd issue of HSE Update, just follow this link to the HSE Website*

Its 10th Anniversary celebration last August 24 included a thanksgiving mass, launching of publications, forum, and the signing of the deed of sale for the Angat Relocation project. His Excellency Most Reverend Broderick S. Pabillo, D.D. Auxiliary Bishop of Manila officiated the thanksgiving mass and Arch. Ning Encarnacion-Tan, TAO Board of Trustee welcomed the guests and partners. Five publications were launched: Gabay sa Pagsasanay sa Community-based Solid Waste Management; Integrating Disaster Risk Management in Site Planning and House Design in Resettlement Projects Manuscript; Polyeto ng Alternatibong Materyales at Teknolohiya Blg. 1-6; TAO Shelter Issue No. 10 Anniversary Issue; and Beyond Shelter: Architecture and Human Dignity where Arch. Arlene Christy Lusterio was a contributor on the chapter on Sustainable Communities: Avoiding Disaster in the Informal City. The forum “Aiming for Sustainable Human Settlements Development in the Time of Climate Change” had as guest speakers TAO Board of Trustees President Laura T. David, Ph.D. who presented Understanding Climate Change and its Impact on Human Settlements Development and TAO Advisory Board member and mentor Fr. Jorge Anzorena who presented Africa highlighting people’s initiatives towards sustainable housing and infrastructure development in several communities. This was followed by a lively discussion in the open forum.

The theme, reflecting the optimism and commitment to service of the organization for the poor culminated with the signing of the deed of sale for the Masagana Resettlement Project in Angat, Bulacan, a bold step for TAO-Pilipinas and its partner people’s organization MASAGANA, towards the realization of the vision of sustainable human settlements development.

The event was held at Torre Venezia Hotel in Timog and attended by around 70 people—representatives from partner NGOs (37), the private sector, academe, and professional groups (14) and TAO Board of Trustees, Advisory Board, and staff.

Below are just some of the photos from the anniversary celebration: