Newly installed Misamis Oriental Governor Juliette Uy is eyeing the legalization of mining operations in some towns in Misamis Oriental, saying it could provide a significant boost to local livelihoods.

During her inaugural speech, Uy said she plans to consult with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Northern Mindanao (DENR-10) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) about the plan.

Uy said she is aware that there have been illegal mining activities taking place in the towns of Opol and Manticao.

“Daghan og problema labi na gyud nang mining sa Opol ug Manticao, dapat gyud tutukan na siya diha. So tagaan ta og panahon ni RD. Ang akong hangyo lang kang RD para dili ta magubot ug dili ta magpatay diha kay gold, gold na ra ba na ang istorya diha… ato siyang himuong legal kay kung legal, walay awayan,” Uy said.

Uy explained that legalizing mining could ensure that proper revenues are collected and shared with the local and provincial governments, which will eventually benefit the public.

“Himuon nato legal para kung kinsay naay papel naay approval sige siya kalot diha sa gold total anyway naa sa balaod naa pud share ang province, naay share ang municipal so asa man paingon ana ang share? paingon sa katawhan,” Uy added.

It can be recalled that several individuals allegedly involved in illegal mining were arrested and several equipment were confiscated in police operations in Opol.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to MGB and DENR-10 for a statement, as of this writing.

“Storyahan nato unsay sulbad niani kay pila ra kuno kabuok ang nakasapi. Unsa na kadako ang gold nga ilang nakuha? Ambot, wala man sab ta kakita, wala man sab ta nabahinan… may unta ibayad ang share ana sa province kay makahimo ta og mga hospital nga bag-o,” Uy said.