Stories of women whose lives have been affected by mining, and in one way or the other struggled against it. October 2012

1. STORIES
from the
MINES
...of struggle,
sisterhood
& solidarity

2. Photo by PhilRights

5. STORIES
from the
MINES
...of struggle,
sisterhood
& solidarity

6. Judy A. Pasimio
Farah Sevilla, En.P
Amleth Lyn Bumanglag
Edel Garingan
Ryan G. Palacol
rgpalacol@yahoo.com
ALYANSA TIGIL MINA
c/o Haribon Foundation
2/F Santos and Sons Building
#973 Aurora Blvd. corner Dapdap St.,
Cubao, Quezon City
Tel: +63 (02) 434-46-42
Tele Fax: +63 (02) 434-46-92
www.alyansatigilmina.net
Printed in the Philippines October 2012

7. Table of Contents
Acknowledgment 5
Introduction 6
CHAPTER 1 8
For the Beauty of Buguey 10
Rei Panaligan
Going Against the Tide 12
Joan Masarate
Believing 14
Emiellou S. Pan
Manang Tina 17
Vernie Yocogan-Diano
A Struggle to Reclaim the Forest & Mountains’ Beauty 20
Angie Adviento
Mother’s Home 22
Rico Mallillin
Ka Badang: Hungry for Justice 25
Judy A. Pasimio
What’s Serving in Pearl’s Cafe? 28
Edel S. Garingan
Story of Valor 30
Jenny Van Fiestada
A Beautiful Dream 32
Sherryll R. Mindo-Fetalvero
Winnie Royo: Losing and Finding Her Voice 34
Joe-Anna Marie Casidsid - Abelinde
Sister’s Act in Sibuyan 36
Edel S. Garingan
An Insistent NO! 41
Joel Abelinde
Rodilisa’s Heartbreak: Sibuyan’s Mourn 44
Minerva E. Tabar
A Mother’s Hymn for Justice 46
Edel S. Garingan

8. Doing Their Assignment 48
Edel S. Garingan
BEVERLY: Granddaughter of Lepanto Mines 51
Judy A. Pasimio
Manang Eliza 53
Edel Garingan and Elizabeth Mangol
Her Fight for A Safe Community 55
Elizabeth Mangol
Tagapangalaga ng Pinagmulan ng Buhay 57
Malaking Laban Para sa Kabundukan 61
Carlo Fajardo
CHAPTER 2 64
From Tears to Bliss 66
John David Agpalo
Nightmare Warfare 68
John David Agpalo
Green Voices 70
Edel S. Garingan
Beyond the Pillars of Education 72
Lalaine Trono
Mayette Badar 74
Judy Pasimio
Choosing the Right Path 76
Faye P. Bada
Bruised but Not Broken 79
Sadie Delantar
The Makings of a Hero 81
Sadie Delantar
A Woman with Choice 83
CHAPTER 3 86
Sweet Ordinary Gesture of Support 88
Edel S. Garingan
The Unfolding Story of the Mamanwas & Gandy 90
Vanessa Abalos

9. Dandelita 92
Astrid Villanueva
Imelda Luza 94
Zenia T. Balasa
Activist at Home 96
Edel S. Garingan
Resistance of Women in Samlang 99
Edel S. Garingan
What it Takes to Protect Life... 102
Edel S. Garingan
Delia’s Small Voice 105
Jonathan Espina
WILMA TERO Mag-aaral, Aktibista Subanen 107
Judy A. Pasimio
I am VICKY CAJANDIG, I am a Subanen 110
Judy A. Pasimio
A Mayor’s Plight 113
Edel S. Garingan
CHAPTER 4
116
Sa Pagmimina
Dolores B. Yanan 118
Doc Nymia: Humang Rights Advocate, Defender
Joy Icayan 121
Rosanna Villegas
Virginia Pinlac 123
Sr. Eden Orlino, SPC
Joy Icayan 124
Leading the Way in Nature Conservation
Joel Abelinde 126
Edel S. Garingan 128
The Lawyer. The Activist. The Congresswoman.
Kristine Mendoza 130
Advocate Risa
Kristine Mendoza 133
Love for Nature... that Never Ends
Mark Pere Madrona 135

10. Sibuyan Island

11. Acknowledgment
A
Stories fromWomen in Luzon
Chapter 1: the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity 5

12. Introduction
Stories from the Mines:
of struggle, sisterhood and solidarity
BY JUDY A. PASIMIO
LILAK (PURPLE ACTION FOR INDIGENOUS WOMEN’S RIGHTS)
6 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

13. Stories fromWomen in Luzon
Chapter 1: the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity 7

15. 1
CHAPTER
LUZON
STORIES

16. For the Beauty
of Buguey
BY REI PANALIGAN
ROSBIN TACUBOY-MARTIN
Buguey, Cagayan Valley
Alliance for Buguey Community Advocates (ALBUCODA)
10 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

17. But then, leaving Buguey is not
an option because she believes,
deep in her heart, that no home
will be as lovely as Buguey.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rei Panaligan
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 11

18. Going Against
the Tide
BY JOAN MASARATE
IMELDA MAPE
Buguey, Cagayan Valley
Brgy. Kagawad, Pagdaya, Buguey, Cagayan Valley
12 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

19. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joan Masarate
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 13

20. Believing
BY EMIELLOU S. PAN
14 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

21. SR. MINERVA TACUBOY
Cagayan Valley
Pastoral Ministry Coordinator and member of Federation
of Environmental Advocates in Cagayan (FEAC)
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 15

22. Power and violence are
the instruments essential
in winning a battle, but in
this situation, she aims to
address the conflict with
compassion, mercy and
forgiveness.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Emiellou Pan
16 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

23. Manang Tina
A Story of Defense for
Land, Life, and Resources
BY VERNIE YOCOGAN-DIANO
The Entry of Commercial Logging
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 17

24. The Entry of Mining
RUPINA BATIEL MOYAEN
Apayao
Save Apayao People’s Organization
Then Militarization…
1 Anglo American Corporation calls itself “one of the world’s major diversified mining groups. We continue to extend our reach around the globe and expand
the materials we mine.” From http://www.angloamerican.co.uk/aa/about/ accessed August 31, 2009. The website also states the company’s presence in
the Philippines with exploration which started in 2000 in Mindanao and in the Central Cordillera. http://www.angloamerican.co.uk/aa/imap/#pageType=map/
locn=Philippines/industry=all/activity=all/filter=industry/lSelect=nothing
18 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

25. I was unable to leave my
house for a month in August
2006 because of threats...
It was very difficult.
Resolved to Resist and Exist
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Vernie Yocogan-Diano
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 19

26. A Struggle to Reclaim
the Forests and
Mountains’ Beauty
BY ANGIE ADVIENTO
SELYA BAHAG
Didipio, Nueva Vizcaya
Didipio Earth Saver’s Multi-Purpose Association, Inc
(DESAMA)
20 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

27. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Angeli Adviento
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 21

28. Mother’s Home
BY RICO MALLILLIN
In the barricade
“They burned our house!”
22 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

29. In her own house
CARMEN ANANAYO
Didipio, Nueva Vizcaya
Didipio Earth Saver’s Multi-Purpose Association, Inc
(DESAMA)
A day in Didipio
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 23

30. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rico Mallillin
24 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

31. Ka Badang:
Hungry for Justice
BY JUDY A. PASIMIO
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 25

32. KA BADANG ISIDRO
Mindoro
26 farmer Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

33. This is a sacrifice am doing not
just for myself but for the others.
So maybe the Lord will reward
me by taking my UTI away.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Judy A. Pasimio
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 27

34. What’s Serving
in Pearl’s Cafe?
Ate Pearl discovered new great things to
offer other than brewed coffee & pasta.
BY EDEL S. GARINGAN
Fred’s story
28 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

35. At Pearl’s Café
ATE PEARL
Tablas Island, Romblon
Romblon Ecumenical Forum Against Mining
People Power in Romblon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Edel S. Garingan
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 29

36. Story of Valor
A child retold the story of a woman who
inspired her to fight for what is right.
BY JENNY VAN FIESTADA
MARBETH M. FADRIQUELA
Tablas, Romblon
Adviser, Alliance of Students against Mining (ASAM)
30 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

37. … and she was even
surprised that the owner of
that mining company is a
popular person in the province.
She could not accept that a
child of Romblon is doing such
terrible act to their town.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jenny van Fiestada
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 31

38. A Beautiful Dream
The campaign against mining is harsh
and difficult but this teacher in Romblon
sees it otherwise.
BY SHERRYLL R. MINDO-FETALVERO
SHERYLL FETALVERO
Tablas, Romblon
Adviser, Alliance of Students against Mining (ASAM)
32 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

39. Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 33

40. Winnie Royo:
Losing & Finding Her Voice
BY JOE- ANNA MARIE CASIDSID - ABELINDE
34 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

41. WINNIE ROYO
Sibuyan Island, Romblon
Adviser, Alliance of Students against Mining (ASAM)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joe-anna Marie Abelinde
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 35

42. Sisters’ Act in Sibuyan
BY EDEL S. GARINGAN
Vantage point
36 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

43. ROYO’S SISTER
Sibuyan Island, Romblon
Sibuyan Island Sentinels League for Environment Inc.
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 37

44. Another blow
38 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

45. It lingers on
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 39

46. EMELINE RAFOLS
Sibuyan Island, Romblon
40 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

47. An Insistent NO!
BY JOEL ABELINDE
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 41

48. 42 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

49. In a flood of sudden rage, Emeline approached and
grabbed him by the collar. “What are you doing
here? I thought you are an example because you
oppose mining like the people. How much were
you paid?” The chairman startled and was unable to
react, say a word or pull away from her.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joel Abelinde
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 43

50. Rodilisa’s Heartbreak:
Sibuyan’s Mourn
BY MINERVA E. TABAR
RODILISA MARIN
Sibuyan Island, Romblon The day that breaks her heart
Elementary teacher and a member of Sibuyan Island
Sentinels League for Environment Inc.
44 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

51. “We just want a silent
protest, we did not want
to end the day like that,”
Rodilisa recalled when
asked about that day.
Sibuyan cried with her.
An Awakening Truth
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Minerva Tabar
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 45

52. A Mother’s Hymn
for Justice
Listen to the song that captures the
death of an environmental hero.
BY EDEL S. GARINGAN
46 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

53. PERLITA PALOMAR
Sibuyan Island, Romblon
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 47

54. Doing Their Assignment
Meet the teachers in Sibuyan who were
accused of a misconduct for doing their
share in protecting the island they all loved.
BY EDEL S. GARINGAN
Surprised gathering
TEACHERS IN SIBUYAN
Sibuyan Island, Romblon
48 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

55. Passing grade
Accused of misconduct
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 49

56. BEVERLY LONGID
Benguet
Chair, KATRIBU Party List
50 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

57. BEVERLY: Granddaughter
of Lepanto Mines
BY JUDY A. PASIMIO
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 51

58. For Beverly, there is one most
common sight today in the
Mankayan communities—a long
line of pails waiting for their turn to
be filled up with water, a precious
resource in this dried up land.
“Why can’t the company provide
this service to the people?”
52 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

59. Manang Eliza
Rising from the spill
BY EDEL GARINGAN AND ELIZABETH MANGOL
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 53

60. ELIZA M. HERNANDEZ
Marinduque
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elzabeth Mangol
54 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

61. Her Fight
for A Safe
Community
BY ELIZABETH MANGOL
NATIVIDAD NAGUTOM
Marinduque
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 55

62. 56 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

63. Tagapangalaga ng
Pinagmulan ng Buhay
NI RUFINA GAMBOA-ARCEGA
ATE PINES
Zambales
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 57

64. 58 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

65. Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 59

66. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
60 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

67. Malaking Laban
Para sa Kabundukan
BY CARLO FAJARDO
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 61

68. MARITES DELA CRUZ
Zambales
Maporac Aeta Orgaization
62 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

69. Wala po akong kinakatakutan
sa ganitong pakikipaglaban
sapagkat... ayaw namin
maranasan ng aming
komunidad ang mga
nararanasan ng mga kapwa
naming katutubo sa ibang lugar.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carlo Fajardo
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon 63

71. 2
CHAPTER
VISAYAS
STORIES

72. From Tears to Bliss
Coming to blows for the Common Good
BY JOHN DAVID AGPALO
66 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

73. ISIDRA BAUSAL
Javier, Leyte
Unahin Natin Lagi Ang Diyos (UNLAD)
Bito Lake Fisherfolks and Farmers Association
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
John David Agpalo
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
2: Visayas 67

74. Nightmare Warfare
Her fight against mining is worth dying for
BY JOHN DAVID AGPALO
EDITA REALANO
MacArthur, Leyte
Unahin Natin Lagi Ang Diyos (UNLAD) Bito Lake
Fisherfolks and Farmers Association
68 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

75. Manang Edita has no regrets
because she believes that her
advocacy is worth dying for.
“I am also doing this for my
family. For our livelihood that
was stolen by the miners.
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
2: Visayas 69

76. Green Voices
A journalist finds a good cause to
sing to her heart’s desire
BY EDEL S. GARINGAN
70 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

77. When you do this work, it is
like you are saving yourself
and the lives of other
people… it is a nice feeling
to know that you are able
to influence people to also
protect the environment. Yet
all of these are not easy!
MARISSA CANO
Baybay, Leyte
Journalist, Instructor at Visayas State University
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
2: Visayas 71

78. Beyond the Pillars
of Education
Ma’am Tess gives meaning to a devotion
of teaching a community
BY LALAINE TRONO
TESS TABADA
Baybay, Leyte
Director of the Institute for Strategic Research and Development Studies, Visayas State Universities
72 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

79. Never mind that there
are threats to her life,
it’s all part of the risk to
bring out the truth.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lalaine Trono
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
2: Visayas 73

80. Mayette Badar
An advocate faces sad realities
of women in mining
BY JUDY A. PASIMIO
MAYETTE BADAR
Eastern Samar
Pambansang Koalisyon ng mga Kababaihan sa Kanayunan
(PKKK), President of the Eastern Samar chapter
74 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

81. Maaring maalwal ang buhay
ng ilang mga kasama, at
kababayan dahil sa mina; pero
pano na bukas? Sa susunod
na bukas? Kung sira na ang
kalikasan, ang kabuhayan?
Kung watak watak na ang mga
pamilya dahil sa awayan?
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
2: Visayas 75

82. Choosing the Right Path
Behind her sweet smile and comical
personality is a woman who fearlessly
fights for what she thinks is right.
BY FAYE P. BADA
76 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

83. ELENA GALO
Maasim, Leyte
Brgy. Councilor of Lunas, Maasin, Leyte
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
2: Visayas 77

84. Sacrificing our
environment
for money is not
sustaining our
needs but is a
mere selfishness.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Faye Bada
78 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

85. Bruised but Not Broken
The story of a HERO’s unfaltering courage
to fight against mining in Homonhon
BY SADIE DELANTAR
ROSARIO ABUENO
Homonhon, Samar
Homonhon Environment and Rescuers Organization (HERO)
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
2: Visayas 79

86. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sadie Delantar
80 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

87. The Makings of a HERO
How one woman became a hero
in the war against mining
BY SADIE DELANTAR
,
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
2: Visayas 81

88. NIDA ABUEME
Homonhon, Samar
Homonhon Environment and Rescuers Organization (HERO)
82 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

89. A Woman with Choice
Nancy Badilla chooses to fight for Manicani
- her home, her hope
1 HMC received its Environmental Compliance Certificate on February 1992, the Interim Mines Permit on August 1992, and the Mineral Productivity
Sharing Agreement on October 1992.
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
2: Visayas 83

90. ATE NANCY
Manicani, Samar
Save Manicani Movement
84 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

91. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Maria Daryl L. Leyesa
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
2: Visayas 85

93. 3
CHAPTER
MINDANAO
STORIES

94. Sweet Ordinary Gesture
of Support
A mother in Dinarawan proves that help
comes even in small actions
BY EDEL S. GARINGAN
Pinky Capua
PINKY CAPUA
Jabonga, Agusan del Norte
Dinarawan Indigenous People’s Organization
88 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

95. And being at the kitchen
does not mean that she
has less knowledge on
and commitment to the
campaign. She knows that
MRL had violated their rights
and had disturbed their
culture and only brought
chaos to their peaceful living.
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
3: Mindanao 89

96. The Unfolding Story
of the Mamanwas
and Gandy
BY VANESSA ABALOS
She believes that if mining will
psuh through in their town, there
will be landslides, water will be
contaminated with substances
harmful to human being and worst,
mountains will be devastated.
90 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

97. GANDY PURUGOY
Jabonga, Agusan del Norte
Dinarawan Indigenous People’s Organization
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Vanessa Abalos
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
3: Mindanao 91

98. Dandelita – a feisty
mother to her family and
her Mamanwa community
BY ASTRID VILLANUEVA
1
92 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

99. DANDELITA A. PALAY
Jabonga, Agusan del Norte
Dinarawan Indigenous People’s Organization
“The pro-mining
people may enjoy
their present
situation, but in no
time, they will have
no place to go.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Astrid Villanueva
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
3: Mindanao 93

100. Imelda Luza
BY ZENIA T. BALASA
IMELDA LUZA
Tandag, Surigao del Sur
Women Association of SDS - Tandag Chapter
94 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

101. What she feared more is when the genuine action from the basic
sector of farmers and the indigenous opposing mining will stop.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Zenia Balasa
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
3: Mindanao 95

102. Activist at Home
Emma had been to many places and live
a good life miles away from the country,
but she knows at the beginning that there
is really no place like home
BY EDEL S. GARINGAN
A tricky encounter
96 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

103. EMMA HOTCHKISS
Cantilan, Surigao del Sur
Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, Lanuza
(CCMCL) Baywatch Foundation
Family affair?
In the court room
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
3: Mindanao 97

104. Staying home
98 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

105. Resistance of Women
in Samlang
The struggle to know the truth and
build a good life from it
BY EDEL S. GARINGAN
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
3: Mindanao 99

106. SAMLANG WOMEN
Sarangani
100 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

107. Indeed, everything in the
surface is so rich, that for
the women in Sitio Samlang,
they no longer have to
extract what’s beneath their
land and mountains.
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
3: Mindanao 101

108. What it Takes to
Protect Life...
...and all the things that nurture it?
BY EDEL S. GARINGAN
ROBINA POBLADOR
Saranggani
Bae, female leader of a B’laan Tribe in Samlang
102 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

109. I am not afraid to
die. If it is for the
community, I can
give my life for it.
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
3: Mindanao 103

110. DELIA MALUNGON
Sarangani
a B’laan in T’murok, Sarangani
104 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

111. Delia’s Small Voice
BY JONATHAN ESPINA
I
t was all still vivid in Delia’s mind. That Delia is a B’laan, an indigenous group of
day when the representatives of the mining people in the Southern Mindanao. She may be
company, Sagittarius Mines Inc., or SMI, perceived as a simple home-maker, a farmer’s
visited their town of Malungon in Saranggani wife, and a member of an indigenous group,
province in Mindanao to offer them something but she is considered a rarity in their town. She
that seemed impossible to resist. possessed something that is so elusive for their
poor community, even considered a privilege for
some. Delia, unlike her other tribe members, is
Better livelihood, health services, infrastructure,
educated. And being well-educated means she
and even scholarships for their children, those
has a bigger responsibility for her people, to guide
were all promised to them by the mining company
them towards a well-informed decision.
in exchange for their “yes.” Their approval to the
proposed copper-gold mining project near their Delia knew it all along, that SMI, just like other
area. A plan that is undoubtedly destructive to mining companies, are just taking advantage of
the environment and its people, yet still highly
supported by the local government. motives. At that point, she claimed that big
responsibility, to use her education to inform and
In a town stricken by extreme poverty where empower her people. She made a stand to say NO
majority of the people rely on agriculture for a to mining.
living, it was a very tempting offer. Most of Delia’s
neighbors were inclined to grab that once in a Her conviction was powerful enough that, little
lifetime opportunity. All their lives, they have been
struggling. Mining was supposed to be their one tribe against mining. She spearheaded numerous
last shot for a decent living, but Delia knew better. meetings with the tribe about its negative effects
She was more than aware of what happened on their lives, on how this would destroy their
to the nearby provinces affected by mining, forest and eventually their source of living. More
importantly, she challenged her people to think
about their future, as well as of their children’s
(We have
future. SMI’s promises are not for free, she
some tribe members who are now experiencing
explained; in the coming years, mining just might
joepardize their own lives.
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
3: Mindanao 105

112. More than anything else, Delia has successfully In the coming days, Delia and the other B’laans
tapped the most personal attribute of her tribe built a fence to protect their property.
members and used it to ignite their sense of
pride to eventually object to the proposed mining (Leave us
project. She reminded them to be proud of alone. Let us just live the life that we want. We can
being a B’laan, to stay true to their identity and
traditions. That being a B’laan is being free to
cultivate their own land. It is their land, and no Just like the fence that one day would be taken
one, even the big mining companies, can take that down, she knew that the company would not
away from them. She added that even the law stop until the resistance faltered. This was just
recognizes the ancestral domain of indigenous the beginning. She knows that harassments and
people. By the time when SMI conducted another bribery would follow, but Delia is willing to
consultation, almost all were against the proposed conquer it all, for her family and for the B’laan
mining project. Delia’s efforts paid off, but little people. Her passion for their traditions and also
did she know that, it was just the beginning of for the environment is so profound and intense.
more challenges ahead. Delia wants us to know that while we are busy
managing our own lives in the city, there is a
The mining company did not give up. Backed by small group of indigenous people in a far and
the local government, SMI was intensely serious mountainous place in Mindanao whose lives are
to take over the B’laan’s land. Delia did not expect threatened by mining capitalists.
the harassments that came afterwards.
A few months ago, the local government of
Saranggani received 15M worth of assistance
from SMI. Though the true intention of the
(Our Barangay captain confronted me
angrily. He asked me why we don’t want mining
big that mining company is compared to Delia.
Nobody knows how long Delia could hold on and
After a few days, strangers were spotted in
awareness.
their area, roaming around as if observing the
very small details of the town. Eventually those
It won’t hurt if for just one moment, let we try to
suspicious men were starting to lure and bribe the
listen to Delia’s small voice.
B’laan people to change their minds and support
the mining project. Delia knew that those actions
were aimed at her to scare her. Maybe because
she is a woman, harassers thought that it would be
easy to frighten her.
But Delia proved them wrong. She showed them
that though she is a woman, and she is strong and
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jonathan Espina
strangers out of their place.
106 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

113. WILMA TERO
Mag-aaral, Aktibista
Subanen
SA PAGKWENTO KAY JUDY A. PASIMIO
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
3: Mindanao 107

114. WILMA TERO
Zamboanga
Kesalabuukan Tupusumi Organization
108 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

115. Para sa aming mga Subaanen, ang
lupa ay napakasagrado dahil kung
ito ay mawala at masira, wala rin ang
lahat ng espiritu na nandyan sa paligid
namin - mga espiritu na nagbigay-
lakas at giya sa aming mga belian.
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
3: Mindanao 109

116. I am VICKY CAJANDIG,
I am a Subanen
AS TOLD TO JUDY A. PASIMIO
110 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

117. VICKY CAJANDIG
Zamboanga
Pigsalabukan Bangsa Subanon (PBS) and Executive Officer
of PIKHUMPONGAN DLIBON SUBANEN, INC. (PDSI)
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
3: Mindanao 111

118. I did not want the
Subanen communities
to feel helpless against
these companies.
112 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

119. A Mayor’s Stand
She was not allowed to get inside the
mining site she opts for closure, now
she’s looking for other ways to get in
BY EDEL S. GARINGAN
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
3: Mindanao 113

120. 114 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

121. I can look myself
in the mirror in the
coming years and say
to myself that I have
done something that
is just right for the
people of Tubay.
MAYOR SADEKA
GARCIA-TOMANENG
Tubay, Agusan del Norte
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
3: Mindanao 115

123. 4
CHAPTER
NATIONAL
ADVOCATES

124. Sa Pagmimina
NI DOLORES B. YANAN
118 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

125. DOLORES YANAN
Defend Zambales
4: National Advocate
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
the Philippines 119

126. Lakad, martsa at higa sa kalsada ang
kinailangang gawin upang maipahayag
sa mga kinauukulan ang kanilang mga
kinalilimutang obligasyon.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dolly Yanan
120 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

127. Doc Nymia:
Human Rights
Advocate, Defender
BY JOY ICAYAN
DR. NYMIA PIMENTEL-SIMBULAN
Executive Director of Philippine Human Rights
Information Center (PhilRights)
4: National Advocate
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
the Philippines 121

128. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Joy Icayan works as a research associate
in Philippine Human Rights Information
Center.
122 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

129. Teacher
Osang
BY ATTY. VIRGINIA PINLAC
ROSANNA VILLEGAS
KAISA KA Youth
Youth for Nationalism and Democracy
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Atty. Virginia Pinlac is a human rights
lawyer and President of KAISA KA
4: National Advocate
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
the Philippines 123

130. SR. EDEN ORLINO, SPC
Sister of St. Paul of Chartres
124 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

131. Sr. Eden Orlino, SPC
Advocacy in human
rights protection, justice
and peace, biodiversity
conservation are best
expressions of God’s
love and concern for His
‘anawim’ and creation.
Doing advocacy work is
doing God’s work.
4: National Advocate
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
the Philippines 125

132. Leading the Way in
Nature Conservation
BY JOEL ABELINDE
126 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

133. ANNABELLE PLANTILLA
Chief Operating Officer of Haribon Foundation Inc.
4: National Advocate
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
the Philippines 127

134. Fulfilling A Mission in
A Distant Land
From Canada she reached out to
a community who loved her back
BY EDEL S. GARINGAN
128 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

135. CATHERINE COUMANS
MiningWatch Canada
4: National Advocate
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
the Philippines 129

136. The Lawyer. The Activist.
The Congresswoman.
BY KRISTINE MENDOZA
CONG. KAKA BAG-AO
Congresswoman, Dumagat Island
AKBAYAN Representative
130 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

137. that the progress of
this country lies in the
improvement of the lives
of its basic sectors who
manage and protect our
mineral resources.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristine Mendoza
4: National Advocate
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
the Philippines 131

138. RISA HONTEVEROS
AKBAYAN Representative
132 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

139. Advocate Risa
BY KRISTINE MENDOZA
4: National Advocate
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
the Philippines 133

140. These Congresspersons have
always catered to the interest
of foreign mining companies.
The task assigned to me was
to change their minds.
134 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

141. Love for Nature…
that Never Ends
BY MARK PERE MADRONA
4: National Advocate
Chapter 1: Women in Luzon
the Philippines 135

142. REGINA PAZ LOPEZ
Managing Director, ABS-CBN Foundation
136 Stories from the Mines: ...of Struggle, Sisterhood and Solidarity

143. What the miners do to
nature is very gruesome.
I visit mining places
and I see huge holes
everywhere and red
liquid flowing to the sea.
It is awful!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mark Pere Madrona
Chapter 4: National Advocate

145. Photo by Erwin Mascariñas

146. There are more
stories to tell...
UNIPP