Victory for Nature: ELAC and Advocates Celebrate Palawan's 50-Year Mining Moratorium
In a historic and emotional show of unity, hundreds of environmental defenders, community leaders, and advocates gathered on March 5, 2025, in Puerto Princesa City for the Grand Thanksgiving Rally and Mining Moratorium Celebration, marking a monumental step toward lasting environmental protection in Palawan.
The celebration coincided with the unanimous passage of Provincial Ordinance No. 3646, Series of 2025, by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Palawan—declaring a 50-year extendable moratorium on all large and small-scale mining applications in the province. The ordinance, hailed as a landmark policy, reflects the will of over 134,000 Palaweños who stood firm against destructive mining practices and championed Palawan's future as a biodiversity stronghold.
A Day of Unity and Gratitude
The rally began with the registration of participants by the Forest Foundation Philippines team, followed by a morning assembly filled with heartfelt speeches from long-time environmental champions. A solemn Thanksgiving Mass brought spiritual grounding to the day’s events, reminding attendees of their collective duty to steward the Earth’s gifts.
The afternoon featured a Solidarity Walk around the Legislative Bldg., where banners and chants proclaimed the victory of life over greed. At the press conference, ELAC Executive Director Atty. Grizelda “Gerthie” Mayo-Anda and fellow civil society leaders emphasized the ordinance’s significance—not just for Palawan, but as a model for ecological governance in the Philippines.
What the Ordinance Means
The newly passed Provincial Ordinance No. 3646 institutes a 50-year extendable moratorium on the issuance of endorsements by barangay, municipal, and provincial governments for all types of mining applications, including exploration and technical agreements. This bold move aligns with Palawan’s status as a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve and affirms its identity as the country’s “last ecological frontier.”
Importantly, the ordinance shifts Palawan’s development trajectory toward agri-tourism and sustainable investments, protecting its forests, coastlines, and indigenous communities from extractive activities.
Mining Moratorium Council
To oversee this long-term commitment, the ordinance also mandates the creation of a Mining Moratorium Council composed of provincial leaders, environmental and legal experts, civil society organizations, and community representatives. This body will ensure evidence-based decision-making and coordination among all stakeholders.
A People's Victory
ELAC and partner organizations view this victory as the fruit of decades of legal advocacy, environmental education, and grassroots mobilization. It is a celebration of law in service of life, a testament to what people power can achieve when backed by truth, persistence, and love for the land.
As Atty. Mayo-Anda stated during her closing remarks:
“This is not the end—it’s the beginning of a new chapter. One where Palawan leads by example, and its people become guardians of a living legacy.”
Let this ordinance stand as a shield for future generations. Let the March 5 rally be remembered not just as a day of thanksgiving, but as a spark for deeper solidarity across the nation.
📄 Read the full ordinance here: [Click to view/download Provincial Ordinance No. 3646, Series of 2025 – PDF]
✊ Get Involved: Join ELAC and support ongoing campaigns to Save Palawan's Forests, waters, and indigenous heritage.