[OPINION] An epic sustainability battle in Sibuyan Island

'Sibuyan residents also exhibit how deep people’s concern for their environment can go.' Opinion

Sibuyan Island, located in Romblon Province, is deemed the Galapagos of Asia. It is a hotspot of biodiversity and home to various endemic species such as the Philippine Hanging Parrot, the Philippine Pygmy-woodpecker, and the Orange-bellied Flowerpecker. This abundance of Sibuyan is a result of being an isolated island. Additionally, Sibuyan also has one of the densest forests in the world, with Mt. Guiting-Guiting in its premises, the highest peak in Romblon.

With this recent development, the residents of Sibuyan continued to fight back. According to Elizabeth Ibañez, coordinator of Sibuyanons Against Mining, “We are seeing that our island is being destroyed, but no one is responding. There is still no positive action being taken by the concerned government agencies.”

As tensions ran high, DENR finally obliged, ordering the APMC to stop the transportation of nickel ore as well as the construction of a causeway. DENR ordered Romblon’s LGU as well to conduct an investigation into APMC after alleged damage of seagrass and the illegal cutting of trees. APMC also stated that it will stop exploration as they will cooperate with authorities to address concerns.

Galicha even mentioned that the support for the barricade was tangible given the amount of people going every day, and the amount of financial support they receive from OFWs to sustain it. This shows how far our care for our community can take us. Sibuyan’s case also shows that collective action can really transform a circumstance. In this case, their courage and persistence to stand their ground and make a human barricade has brought them a victory.

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