Save Pan de Azucar Island Movement

14/10/2026

Philippine mangroves are incredible blue carbon powerhouses. They capture and store carbon, helping combat climate change. But their benefits don’t stop there. These dense roots also protect coastlines from erosion and storm surges, while providing habitats for diverse marine life.

Healthy mangrove ecosystems are crucial for supporting fisheries and coastal communities. They’re more than just trees—they’re vital natural infrastructure. So, preserving and restoring them is key. Let’s recognize their value and protect these essential ecosystems for the future.

12/10/2026

THIS MOUNTAIN CAN BE SEEN FROM MANY TOWNS ACROSS NORTHERN ILOILO ⛰️

This towering island mountain is Mt. Manaphag, also known as Mt. Pan de Azucar, rising above Pan de Azucar Island in Concepcion, Iloilo.

Its distinctive peak can be seen from Ajuy, Carles, San Dionisio, Estancia and Sara, making it one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in northern Iloilo.

A familiar sight for locals and travelers exploring the northern coast. 🌊⛰️

12/10/2026

" The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature."

- Article II, Section 16 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution

12/10/2026

MAKAKALIKASAN, MAKATAO 👏✊

In February 2023, Nanding Marin stood barefoot in front of a 10-wheeler mining truck on Sibuyan Island, Romblon, Philippines. 😱

He joined other residents in forming a human barricade against trucks hauling nickel ore, determined to protect the forests, waters, and communities they called home. 🌿

At the time, Marin was a farmer and environmental advocate—not a politician. But he refused to simply stand by and watch the place he loved be changed forever.

The protest went viral, turning the barefoot man facing the truck into a symbol of Sibuyan’s environmental fight.

Then, in 2025, Marin took that fight somewhere else: the ballot box.

He won the mayoralty race in San Fernando, Romblon. To legally run, he also voluntarily renounced his U.S. citizenship, choosing to commit himself fully to public service in the Philippines. 🇵🇭

Now, the man who once stood in front of a mining truck has a different kind of power—the power to help shape decisions affecting his community.

Because sometimes, protecting what belongs to your people means refusing to watch it disappear.

You have to stand up before there’s nothing left to save. 🧡

12/10/2026

No to Mining ⛏️

“𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐊𝐀𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐀-𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐀 𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐀𝐎, 𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐈 𝐒𝐈𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐀 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐑𝐄 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐎?” | 𝟏𝟐,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐔𝐓 𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐀 𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐋 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍, 𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐄𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐌

Approximately 12,000 trees have been cut as part of site preparation for large-scale nickel mining operations in Dinapigue, Isabela, raising concerns over the potential damage to the Sierra Madre mountain range, one of the Philippines’ most important natural ecosystems.

Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Director Mario Ancheta confirmed the tree-cutting activities, stating, “As part of site preparation, approximately 12,000 trees, including small ones, have been cut.” Satellite images also show wide areas of exposed soil surrounded by thick forests, highlighting the extent of land clearing in the mining area.

Despite the environmental concerns, government officials said the mining operations have the necessary permits. The MGB clarified that the site is outside the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park and its buffer zone, approximately 1.1 kilometers from the protected area. Under government regulations, mining operators are required to plant 100 trees for every tree cut and carry out reforestation activities. In May 2026, environmental regulators also imposed a fine of approximately ₱2.5 million over violations of the Philippine Clean Water Act associated with mining operations in the area.

The clearing has renewed questions about the long-term effects of mining on forest ecosystems, wildlife habitats, watersheds, and nearby communities. The Sierra Madre serves as a natural barrier that helps reduce the impact of typhoons and flooding in parts of Luzon. While mining can provide jobs and economic benefits, environmental advocates and concerned citizens may question whether these gains outweigh the potential consequences of removing thousands of trees. Replanting efforts may help restore forest cover, but rebuilding a mature forest and its biodiversity can take decades or longer.

As the country continues to balance economic development with environmental protection, the situation in Dinapigue raises a critical question: Is a government permit enough to justify cutting thousands of trees in an ecologically important mountain range? The Sierra Madre is more than a source of natural resources—it is a vital part of the country’s environmental heritage, and the damage it suffers today could affect generations of Filipinos.

04/10/2026