News: Group protests destruction of mountain in Zambales

Group protests destruction of mountain in Zambales

PALAUIG, ZAMBALES – The Olongapo-Zambales civil society network, composed of nongovernment organizations pushing Mt. Tapulao here as a mining-free area, staged a protest march in this town on Wednesday to save the mountain from miners and turn it into an ecotourism site.

Mayor Generoso Amog said he is leading moves to declare Tapulao, which Americans used to call "High Peak," into a "protected area or protected landscape."

Local officials said pine trees abound in Tapulao, one of the highest peaks in Central Luzon, and its unspoiled environment could rival the attractions of Baguio and Tagaytay cities. They said the mountain has at least eight waterfalls.

Amog said because of mining activities in some of its sections, Tapulao is now "in grave danger."

"Right now, the miners are tunneling all over the mountain in search for ore and they are putting the summit in danger of collapsing," he said.

Councilor Eric Alba said mining companies have long been in the area because of chromite ore abundant in Mt. Tapulao.

Amog said the local government and other groups are appealing for the cancellation of the license issued to the C-Square Mining Co., which, he said, has been operating in Mt. Tapulao since he was a boy.

"We are trying to move [to] declare the area a 'mine-free area,'" he said.

Amog said he hopes to turn Mt. Tapulao into an ecotourism site when C-Square's permit expires next month.

"That's why we are appealing to President Macapagal-Arroyo to declare Mt. Tapulao as a protected area so we can turn this into an eco-site for future generations," he said.

"If we lose Mt. Tapulao to miners, then we would lose a very beautiful spot in Zambales. I hope it doesn't go to waste," he said.

Zambales Gov. Amor Deloso said the mining permit granted to C-Square came "from the national level."

"They have been there for a long, long time," he said. Robert Gonzaga, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Cinemalaya presents BOSES

This year's Cinemalaya has an entry titled, "BOSES" (Voice). It's the story of a musician, who regains back his humanity by giving violin lessons to a child of the slums. In turn, the child, through the instrument, is able to get back his voice from a muted, abused and desensitized existence. This is a story of a friendship founded on the sublime beauty of music. (blurb from Yoopee)

It stars Ricky Davao, Meryll Soriano, and Ms. Cherry Pie. The interesting part here is the child actor is none other than Casa San Miguel student Julian Duque. Coke Bolipata is also in the movie as the reclusive musician, and I believe it was shot in Casa San Miguel. He also is the movie's musical director, and you'll see him play several times in the movie. Prepare to be amazed.

I met Julian, or Ambo as he's more known, two years ago, during their performance at the Light in a Million Mornings in PICC. He was only six or seven years old then, and the youngest of all the musicians. My younger sister and brother were also playing, and they were all students of Sir Coke. Ambo's violin is really small but he plays it so well.

Here's another chance for Zambales to be in the spotlight! I hope those who are in Manila can take the time to watch this. The movie has a very wonderful message, and is also a vehicle for campaign against child abuse.

For schedules: CINEMALAYA GOES UP 2008 schedule

Related news: Cinemalaya's Boses offers hope, music for kids