Baybay, Leyte, April 20, 1998 - Residents of Baybay town are so protective of their environment they have rejected the commercial exploitation of mineral resources in their area.
Representatives of Safariland Inc., which is applying for government approval to explore minerals in Baybay, were practically run our of town by residents and officials alike.
Pangasugan Barangay Captain Juanito Modina and Mayor Carmen Cari both confronted Safariland representatives wishing to post their notice of application at the town's billboard, saying their town does not need commercial miners.
Baybay is proud of the fact that it has abundant fresh water supply, with water so pure and sweet it does not need any treatment. The town is also home to a canopy of forests with species of plants awaiting discovery and classification.
Earlier, the town also rejected the application for exploration of the Philippine National Oil Company. The resident have even opposed the clearing of forested areas to make room for transmission lines that will interconnect the Leyte-Bohol and Leyte-Mindanao power grids.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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