In a decisive move to protect its vital natural resources, the Sibalom Municipal Council in Antique has firmly opposed a proposed mineral reservation. The council’s stance was solidified with the passage of Resolution No. 16-2025 on February 5, 2025, directly challenging a proposal by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (MGB-DENR) to designate a section of the municipality’s upland areas as a mineral reserve.
The resolution, which was shared with the Antique Provincial Board during their regular session, aims to bolster the province’s appeal to the Office of the President for a permanent exclusion from the mineral reservation declaration. Rodel Esler, the Sibalom Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer, emphasized the critical role of the Sibalom River Watershed, which not only supplies water to local farmers but also to neighboring towns in Antique and Iloilo province.
Esler also highlighted the importance of preserving the Sibalom Natural Park, a sanctuary for endangered species including the Rafflesia speciosa and the Visayan Spotted Deer. The mayor of Sibalom, Gian Carlo Occeña, expressed deep concerns over potential contamination of the watershed and disruption to the natural park, prompting his request for the council’s resolution.
During a public hearing on February 4 at the Antique Legislative Building, MGB representatives from Western Visayas identified 3,715 hectares across Sibalom, San Remigio, and Patnongon as potential sites for mineral extraction due to their rich deposits of copper, gold, and chromite. However, the proposal faced strong opposition from various groups, including Amlig, a coalition of religious leaders, lawyers, and concerned Antique residents, who gathered to voice their dissent against the mining plans.