ALBAY 2ND DISTRICT REP. LORIA FILES BILL FOR RAPU-RAPU’S REHABILITATION AFTER DECADES OF MINING DAMAGE

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By: Nel Adtoon
Albay 2nd District Congressman Caloy Andes Loria has filed the Rapu-Rapu Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Development Act, aiming to address the severe environmental and livelihood harm the island has suffered from decades of mining. 

Mining on Rapu-Rapu began during American rule in nearby Batan Island, continued with Japanese extraction of gold, copper, and zinc in Barangay Sta. Barbara during World War II, and expanded with Hixbar Mining Company from the 1940s to 1970s – leaving toxic waste and barren farmlands. Modern mining returned in the 1990s with the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project, which had two cyanide spills in 2005 that caused massive fish kills and destroyed most fishing-dependent families’ incomes. Though operations were suspended multiple times, they continued under foreign firms until 2013, and this year has seen worsening damage to seas, land, and clean water, forcing many families to rely on food aid and temporary work.
 
In his statement, Rep. Loria highlighted that while mining was banned from 2014 to 2022 to let the ecosystem recover, the island still faces overwhelming challenges. “An daga nagdadanay na dipisil na buhayon huli sa acidity, maluway an pagrahay kan mga yaman sa dagat, asin kadakol na mga residente an dai pa man giraray nakakabalik sa saindang dating kabuhayan,” he said, emphasizing the slow pace of healing for both the environment and local communities.
 
The bill is based on data, history, and the real experiences of Rapu-Rapu residents, with the goal of implementing a systematic, municipality-wide rehabilitation program. It focuses on restoring the environment, creating diverse livelihoods, building resilient infrastructure, and ensuring meaningful community participation. A Rapu-Rapu Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Development Council will oversee implementation, while a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee will guarantee transparency and accountability.
 
Rep. Loria noted that Rapu-Rapu’s story serves as a warning about the risks of neglecting environmental protection – but also offers a chance for genuine redemption. “Sa tamang plano, kayang gibohon na ecotourism asin agro-forestry destination an dating minahan, simbolo kan pagbangon asin katatagan kan mga taga-Rapu-Rapu,” he said. Concluding his statement, he called on the public to join the effort: “Magtarabangan kita para ibangon an Rapu-Rapu. Magkairibahan kita na naglalakaw sa dalan pasiring sa tunay na pagbabago.”

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|Nel Adtoon Simpleng Duon Bicol Net TV 
maestroneladtoon@gmail.com

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