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No less than the constitution in its Article II sec. 16 recognizes the right of every Filipino
to a balanced and healthful ecology, the said provision provides:
Article II, Sec. 16
The state shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced
and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
The mountains of Mt. Manalmon and Mt. Nabio have already suffered damages on some of its
portions due to the extensive illegal extraction of marble without regard to the environmental
damages caused. As proof to this are stockpiles of 257 blocks of rose marbles that were
discovered which greatly suggests the continuous attempts to extract illegally marbles from the
said mountains.
Continued mining of marbles in the said mountains will soon lead to devegetation of the area due
to the opencast nature of the mining. This may later on lead to the loss of some Flora and Fauna,
due to the mining, already grown trees and bushes have died out and new ones possibly will not
grow; this may now lead to the loss of the natural habitats of some species of animals found in
the said mountains, particularly some species of birds and bats.
Not to mention that indigenous people and their communities and other local communities have a
vital role in environmental management and development which the state should recognize,
because of their knowledge and traditional practices. States should recognize and duly support
their identity, culture and interests and enable their effective participation in the achievement of
sustainable development. This is now in great peril due to the extensive mining.