QUARRYING iN BATANGAS

By Abrenica Leigh Atienza

BATANGAS, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources' (DENR) most recent policy prohibiting "prospective" open-pit mines in the nation has drawn attention to quarrying, which was exempt from the restriction.

For instance, Ronald Recidoro, the Vice President for Legal and Policy of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP), was cited as asking, "Don't they comprehend that banning open-pit mining also means outlawing quarrying and even coal?"

According to the narrative, Recidoro questioned Environment Secretary Gina Lopez about whether or not she was promoting First Balfour, which has a registered quarrying company called Torreverde Corporation.

First Balfour earlier refuted on Sunday, April 30, that its wholly owned subsidiary was now engaged in any mining or quarrying activities.

Kulisap Corner: Prevention of Health Issues in The Campus

BPHSCA, 112 are in the normal range of nutritional status; 8 are wasted, meaning they are below the standard weight for their age and height; and 3 are severely wasted, indicating they are significantly below the standard weight. This means that the majority of the students are receiving adequate nutrition and are at a healthy weight for their age and height. This is a positive sign that suggests that efforts to promote good nutrition and healthy eating habits are having a positive impact. Another health issue that schools must address is students mental health. Mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression can have a serious impact on a student's academic and social functioning. Schools can provide support for students by offering counseling services, promoting positive coping skills, implementing anti-bullying programs, encouraging open conversations about mental health, and creating a safe space for students to talk about their feelings and concerns. Create a positive and inclusive school culture that

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promotes mental wellness. Encourage healthy relationships between students and teachers and promote positive behaviors such as empathy, kindness, and respect. Teach students stress management techniques such as relaxation exercises and time management skills. These techniques can help students cope with stress and prevent the development of mental disorders.

These habits can improve overall health and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.

In conclusion, it is clear that health issues in schools are a complex and pressing problem that requires attention and action from all individuals. Parents, educators, and teachers must work together to create a safe and healthy learning environment for students, one that prioritizes physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By doing so, we can help ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Reporters who visited the region in Taysan, Batangas-not Lobo, Batangas-found no active, quarrying activities there. The head of operations for Torreverde Corporation, Emmanuel Balamban, asserted that if they obtain a quarrying licence from the provincial government, they will proceed with their plan to quarry.

In an interview with reporters on Sunday, Balamban said, "Definitely, we will push through due to the demand of the construction industry in the Philippines and siyempre in support na rin sa 4th of the 10-point agenda na economic agenda ng administration natin ngayon which is to support the infrastructure of the Philippines."

Only one of the two quarrying sites owned by Montevil Trading Corporation is open for business. When asked to respond to COMP's assertion, Antonio Villena, director of operations for Montevil. Trading Corporation, replied it depends on the quarrying operation.

"Kagaya sa amin, kumbaga ito, privately owned na land 'to, ang ginawa namin dito, i-develop lang, ilevel up lang namin para magamit pa namin for future. When I say openpit, that is what I mean when I say that the other person is lying. Mataas, what kind of area is it? Lalalim 'to dahil mataas ang pwesto ng Taysan,' he said in a statement to reporters on Sunday. "Pag inopen-pit ko 'to kagaya sa kanila,' he said.

Czael Ontangco of Montevil Trading Corporation added" Nilelevel lang talaga siya, so walang maiiwan na malaking pit after the quarrying." Additionally, (as we are merely leveling the soil, there won't be a sizable pit here after the quarrying.)

The Environmental Management Bureau of the Environment Department's regional head for Calabarzon, Noemi Paranada, acknowledged that open-pit mining and quarrying are both "destructive" activities.

This is not the first time quarrying was exempted in a DENR order. In a memorandum signed last March 10, Lopez excluded certain quarry resources from her department's mining moratorium.