Palawan Says ‘No’ to Mining for 50 Years – A Historic Win or a Costly Mistake?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a landmark move celebrated by environmental advocates, the Palawan Provincial Board has unanimously approved a 50-year moratorium on new mining operations, underscoring the province's commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity. 

A Unified Stand Against Mining

The ordinance halts the issuance of endorsements for all large- and small-scale mining applications, including exploration permits and mineral agreements. This decisive action reflects the collective efforts of various sectors in Palawan, including Indigenous Peoples, farmers, fisherfolk, and the church. Notably, a pastoral letter issued in December 2024 by Bishops Socrates Mesiona of Puerto Princesa and Broderick Pabillo of Taytay played a pivotal role in mobilizing public support for the moratorium. 

Environmental Advocates Applaud the Decision

Environmental organizations have lauded the moratorium as a significant victory. Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), emphasized that the ordinance is a clear legal expression of Palawan's opposition to mining, urging the national government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to respect this stance. 

Similarly, Atty. Grizelda "Gerthie" Mayo-Anda, Executive Director of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC), hailed the ordinance as a historical step toward protecting Palawan's remaining forests and natural resources, underscoring the community's right to a safe and healthy environment. 

Industry Pushback and Legal Debates

The mining industry has expressed concerns over the moratorium. The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) argued that the ban represents an overreach of local authority, potentially undermining national interests and the country's competitiveness in the global nickel market. 

Additionally, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines described the moratorium as "myopic," suggesting it limits the country's ability to harness mineral resources amid rising global demand for metals essential to clean energy applications. 

Call for Vigilance and Sustainable Development

Church leaders, while welcoming the moratorium, have called for continued vigilance to ensure its full enforcement. Bishop Mesiona emphasized the need for the public to monitor the implementation of the moratorium, especially as the province approaches local and national elections, urging voters to prioritize candidates committed to environmental protection. 

This historic moratorium positions Palawan as a beacon of environmental stewardship, balancing ecological preservation with sustainable development goals. As the province navigates the challenges of enforcing this ban amidst industry opposition, the collective resolve of its people remains crucial in safeguarding their natural heritage for future generations.

Toxic Beauty: Banned Mercury-Laced Skin Whiteners Still Sold in Taguig—Thousands at Risk!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The relentless sale of mercury-laden skin-lightening products in Taguig City, Philippines, has once again come under scrutiny. On March 9, 2025, the EcoWaste Coalition, a vigilant environmental watchdog, conducted test purchases at Sunshine Mall Plaza in Taguig City. Their investigation unveiled the continued sale of banned cosmetics containing alarmingly high levels of mercury, a potent neurotoxin.

Alarming Findings

The EcoWaste Coalition's analysis revealed mercury concentrations in the following products:

Goree Gold 24K Beauty Cream: 31,010 parts per million (ppm)

Goree Beauty Cream with Lycopene: 29,110 ppm

Goree Day & Night Beauty Cream: 28,090 ppm

88 Total White Underarm Cream: 2,006 ppm

These levels starkly exceed the permissible limit of 1 ppm for mercury in cosmetics, as stipulated by the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and reinforced by the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Notably, some of these products had been banned by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as early as 2017.

Health Implications of Mercury in Cosmetics

Mercury is incorporated into certain skin-lightening products to suppress melanin production, leading to a lighter skin tone. However, its use poses significant health risks:

Dermatological Issues: Users may experience skin rashes, discoloration, and scarring.

Systemic Toxicity: Chronic exposure can damage the kidneys, brain, and central nervous system.

Reproductive Harm: Pregnant women using such products risk mercury crossing the placental barrier, potentially affecting fetal brain development and leading to neurodevelopmental disorders.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies mercury as one of the top ten chemicals of major public health concern. Its presence in cosmetics is particularly alarming due to the potential for direct skin absorption and inhalation during application.

Global and Local Responses

In February 2023, countries like Gabon, Jamaica, and Sri Lanka launched a joint initiative to eliminate mercury from skin-lightening products. Supported by a $14 million project, this effort aims to reduce the health and environmental toll of such cosmetics. 

Locally, the EcoWaste Coalition has been proactive in identifying retailers violating the ban. In July 2024, they reported at least 20 stores in Taguig City engaged in the unlawful sale of mercury-laden cosmetics. 

Despite these efforts, the recent findings indicate persistent non-compliance, underscoring the need for stringent enforcement and public awareness campaigns.

Consumer Awareness and Safety

Consumers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing skin-lightening products. The U.S. FDA warns against over-the-counter products containing hydroquinone or mercury, emphasizing the importance of reading product labels and consulting healthcare providers for safe alternatives. 

Furthermore, a recent study highlighted that over 3,000 beauty products targeting specific demographics contain hazardous ingredients, raising concerns about long-term health implications. 

Conclusion

The continued sale of mercury-contaminated cosmetics in Taguig City highlights a pressing public health issue. It calls for collaborative efforts between local authorities, health agencies, and consumer advocacy groups to enforce existing bans, educate the public, and promote safer beauty practices. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant, prioritize their health, and support initiatives that advocate for the elimination of toxic substances in personal care products.

FREE IDs? Hundreds of Job Seekers Score a Game-Changing Benefit at Batangas Mega Job Fair!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a significant move to streamline identification processes and enhance accessibility, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) recently facilitated the application of Postal IDs for 436 job seekers and students during the Mega Job Fair 2025. This event, organized by Local Government Units in District 1 Central Azucarera Don Pedro Inc. (Cadpi), took place on March 7 in Nasugbu, Batangas. 

The initiative underscores PHLPost's commitment to bringing essential services closer to the public, especially in remote areas. By deploying their Mobile Data Capturing Service, PHLPost ensured that attendees could conveniently apply for their Postal IDs on-site without the need to visit a post office. 

The Importance of the Postal ID

The Postal ID serves as a primary form of identification in the Philippines, widely recognized by government agencies and financial institutions. It plays a crucial role in verifying an individual's address and identity, facilitating processes such as passport applications and bank account openings. 

In October 2024, PHLPost relaunched the Postal ID as a functional card with enhanced address verification capabilities. This upgrade aims to ensure accurate delivery of letters and parcels and bolster security measures in various transactions. 

Mobile Data Capturing Service: Extending Reach

To further its mission of accessibility, PHLPost has been actively deploying Mobile Data Capturing Services across the country. For instance, in February 2025, a similar initiative was conducted in Argao, Cebu, allowing residents to obtain or renew their Postal IDs without traveling to distant post offices. 

Postmaster General Luis D. Carlos emphasized that this project aligns with the government's efforts to reach communities, particularly those in far-flung areas or individuals unable to visit post offices due to employment constraints. Private companies, organizations, and government agencies are encouraged to request this mobile service for their constituents, ensuring broader coverage and convenience. 

Application Process and Requirements

Applying for a Postal ID is straightforward. Applicants need to submit:

A duly accomplished application form

Proof of identity

Proof of address

The standard application fee is ₱550, inclusive of tax and delivery charges. For those requiring expedited processing, a rush service is available at ₱650. Once the data capture process is completed, the Postal ID is delivered to the applicant's mailing address. Delivery timelines are approximately 10 to 15 working days within Metro Manila and up to 4 to 5 weeks for island provinces and remote barangays. 

Enhanced Security Features

To safeguard the identity of cardholders and combat fraudulent activities, the Postal ID is embedded with advanced security features. PHLPost also offers an Online Verification System (POVS), a web portal that allows private companies and government agencies to confirm the authenticity of the Postal ID presented to them. 

A Step Towards Efficient Government Service Delivery

PHLPost's initiatives are in line with Republic Act 11032, known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. This act mandates all government offices and agencies to simplify procedures, reduce red tape, and expedite transactions, thereby improving overall public service delivery. 

Conclusion

The successful implementation of the Mobile Data Capturing Service at the Batangas Mega Job Fair 2025 highlights PHLPost's dedication to enhancing public access to essential identification services. By continuously innovating and extending their reach, PHLPost not only simplifies the process of obtaining a Postal ID but also strengthens the integrity and efficiency of various governmental and financial transactions across the Philippines.