The Ideal, The Real and what is Practical

Concern for the Environment has become a catchall attitude today. Many groups are into a activities aimed towards the expression of this concern. In fact, this concern permeated current popular culture, that is would be surprising to find anyone who would not be aware of the need to protect and conserve the Philippine Eagle, the Tarsier, Dolphins, Sea Turtles and Dugongs.

But important environmental issues are issues that far from cute and cuddly and majestic animals living in the wild. Environmental issues are also issues that affect the economy of our country, the livelihood of thousands and -more far reaching- the lives of incoming generations.

When environmental issues that affect the economy, investments and livelihood are discussed, they are no longer cute and cuddly. They become scary and uncomfortable.

When we use our resources, jobs are created, wealth is generated and -ideally- the fruits of our labors shared with other members of our community. This is the essence of every business undertaking that embarks on intensive utilization of our natural resources.

Government on the other hand intervenes by setting up policies that provide guidance on how resources are to be utilized and managed. Ideally, agencies are tasked to see to it that these policies are implemented judicious.

But the gap between what is real and the ideal is so large. This gap has caused battle lines to be drawn between advocates for the sound utilization and protection of our resources and those who are interested in using these resources for job generation and wealth creation. Between these two factions stand people in government, while community residents are caught in the crossfire.

The recent pronouncements by the grouped tasked to investigate the recent mine accident in Mt. Diwalwal is a case in point. The closure of 3 companies engaged in mining operations in the area has been recommended. The body further recommended the strict implementation of regulations so explosives would not be able to enter the mining area.

The policy that the investigation body is proposing in an ideal. But can the ideal be reached considering the harsh realities present in the area. Will the policy be really implemented to the letter?

The need to thoroughly study the situation in Mt. Diwalwal is imperative. Knee jerk reactions to mining accidents will not settle the core issue and solve the problems that beset the area.
Everyone knows that there is Gold in those mountains. Many people, rich and poor alike would like to have their share of that Gold, no matter what the cost. Is government strong enough to impose its presence in the area without fear or favor from any vested interest in the area.

Unless government acts with determination, countless lives will be lost in those mountains. And while those lives are sacrificed, the hope of small miners in attaining the dream of having a comfortable life slowly slips away, while only a chosen few benefit from the gold. And before we know it, the whole area becomes a long lasting monument of government ineptness and dysfunction. Then the gold will be gone forever and we have nothing to show to the next generation.

We may never attain the ideal in Mt. Diwalwal. The reality that hounds residents of the mining community living there bites so deep. We need to put in place practical policy solutions that can be sustained and supported. The present set up of the Mine and Geosciences Bureau of the region needs to the strengthened. Even the current search and rescue capability of emergency response teams in the area need very serious upgrading. Monitoring agencies likewise need to be properly installed.

Unless practical solutions that can be enforced by adequately equipped personnel who have the proper support are put in place sooner in Mt. Diwalwal, the Gold that is taken out of the mountains there will not be enough to pay for the countless lives wasted on mining accidents that will keep coming.

Children- the future- of dead miners will end up losers. Their fathers would have been better off just dreaming about the gold.