‘Women of Nueva Vizcaya Stand Up against Large-scale Mining’ Solidarity Statement to the women of Nueva Vizcaya from Rural & Indigenous Women; Women & Environment Taskforces of Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD)The resistance by Carlita Cumila, a 70 year citrus fruit farmer of Barangay Papaya in the Malabing Valley to hold on to her family’s livelihood- a threatened livelihood she and her husband with countless valley settlers, had built since 1964- needs the support of everyone concerned at the increasing displacement of rural families through large-scale mining. The women of Barangay Papaya and those of the Malabing Valley villages have actively opposed large-scale mining projects will continue to resisted attempts by companies and government to take over their only source of sustenance. The lush Malabing Valley is currently subject of various mining activity agreements, with the government having entered into a number of agreements with Australian and New Zealand owned companies to begin exploration. This valley, known as the mining triangle, is a key citrus-growing area in the region. It is a critical source of irrigation water for the Malabing Valley’s other agricultural farms. Cumila’s story (Bulatlat Vol 111, No 34/Sept 30- October 6, 2007) of bravery and persistence is a story told and heard many times over- and needs repeating at every opportunity. Cumila and the women of Malabing Valley are fighting with all they have to withstand the onslaught of mining exploration activities since July 2, 2007. The support of women leaders in position such as Dulnuan is vital. As is the support of mine affected community women of Runruno. The mining agreements pose grave implications on the environment and valley eco-systems and importantly, threaten to destroy livelihoods forever. This is grave concern for not just the valley communities. It should also be that of the government. In Solidarity, the women of Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development and specifically the two task forces of Rural & Indigenous Women and Women & Environment recognize and salute the persistent efforts by Cumila, Dulnuan, the Malabing valley women and the Runruno women. We support your fight for livelihoods and life itself. We urge those in authority and responsibility to heed calls by local officials like Dulnuan and women of Malabing Valley and act accordingly. In Solidarity Rural & Indigenous Women; and Women & Environment Taskforces Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development
|
