By Tara Yap

Secretary Roy Cimatu of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is on a mission to find the country’s model mining firm.
“I was even planning to look for a mining company and turn it into a model. If you follow this model, then there would be no problem,” said the newly-appointed secretary while in the City and Province of Iloilo Tuesday. In addition, he promised he would also seek out mining firms that violate environmental laws.
“Mining is allowed. It is legal. It is in our laws. However, if you extract minerals from the earth, you should do it properly. You should not destroy the environment. You should not let the people suffer because of the pollution that comes from the mining,” the former general reiterated.
Western Visayas region is home to Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC), the country’s largest coal producer, based in Semirara Island, Caluya town, Antique province.
When asked about the mining industry, Cimatu responded and said he has not yet visited any of the mining areas, including Semirara./WDJ