Environmentally critical projects such as mining remain a controversial and divisive issue in mineral-rich communities. Arguably, mining projects bring jobs, revenues to local governments, cash income, and various development projects, such as electrification, paved roads, schools with free or subsidized education, chapels, water system, and other livelihood programs. In many instances, these benefits are very enticing and attractive to locals. However, scientific studies and objective data on mining operations in various communities have found out that mining also brings adverse effects and negative impacts on locals and the environment, such as displacement from homes and traditional livelihoods, dependence on cash income and incursion into their value system leading to consumerism, health problems caused by exposure to toxic materials, siltation of waterways, deforestation, loss of productive land, and pollution of marine environments (Coumans, 1999; Florentino-Hofileña, 1996; McAndrew, 1983; Regis, 2001; Tujan & Guzman, 1998). Environmental advocacy campaigns of both pro- and anti-mining communicate these mining benefits and costs to the locals to convince them either to accept the mining project or join the struggle against the mining project. Given these two scenarios, how do locals decide when a mining project is presented in their community? How do they participate in the decision-making that impact on their economic, political and socio-cultural standing? What influences their participation in decision-making and their decision?
The locals of Rapu-Rapu Island were in that situation in 2001 when a mining project was seeking social acceptability from the local communities. This study revisited their decision and explained why they decided that way. It also took into account the crucial contexts of the decision-making of the locals.
Table of Contents
I UNDERMINING THE POWER OF COMMUNITIES
Background of the Study
Significance of the Study
II ENVIRONMENTAL DECISIONS, HUMAN ECOLOGY, AND VALUES
Decisions of the locals
Human ecology
Values
Family, Kinship, Compadrazgo, and Patron-client Relationship
Analytical Framework
Figure 1 (Analytical Framework)
Methodology
Data collection and key informant selection
III RAPU-RAPU IN FOCUS
Geography and location
Historical background
Population
Livelihood and sources of income
Figure 2. Map of Rapu-Rapu
Facilities
Rapu-Rapu Island and Barangay Malobago
IV MINING EXPERIENCES AND THE PERCEIVED BENEFITS AND COSTS OF MINING
Rapu-Rapu’s Mining History
Lafeyette Philippines Inc. (LPI) and its Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project (RRPP)
Memories of Mining and Island Life
Actual and Perceived Costs and Benefits of Mining
V POLITICS, ECONOMICS AND OTHER CONTEXTS OF MINING AND DECISION OF LOCAL COMMUNITY
Physical
Typhoon-prone area
Crop production area
Fishing grounds
Mineral-rich area
Water source
Political
Political structure
Influence of the political leaders
Strategies of advocacy campaigns
Economic
Sociocultural
Values attributed to others
Values attributed to nature
VI LOOKING BACK AND FORWARD
Summary
Physical contexts
Political contexts
Economic contexts
Sociocultural contexts
Actual and perceived mining benefits and costs
Objectives and Research Themes
This work examines the complex decision-making processes of local communities in the Philippines when faced with large-scale mining projects. The primary objective is to analyze how various contexts—physical, political, economic, and sociocultural—influence the collective choices of local residents regarding the acceptance or rejection of mining operations, specifically focusing on the case study of Rapu-Rapu Island.
- The influence of human ecology on local decision-making.
- The role of local political power structures and patron-client relationships.
- The impact of socioeconomic needs and declining traditional livelihoods on the acceptance of industrial projects.
- The effectiveness of pro-mining versus anti-mining advocacy strategies in shaping local public opinion.
Excerpt from the Book
Physical Context
Barangay Malobago is located at the southern tip of the island of Rapu-Rapu in Albay province. It is about 15 km away from Barangay Poblacion, which is the town center, and about 5 km from Barangay Binosawan. These three barangays can be found in the same 5,589-ha island which is situated at the typhoon belt or path. Recurrent typhoons in the area influenced the residents of Barangay Malobago to favor LPI’s mining project. Typhoons are the strongest and fiercest tropical cyclones described as “weather disturbances in the tropics, which are characterized by low atmospheric pressure at the center and strong winds relative to its environment” (PAGASA). Typhoons are known to ravage properties and crops along their path. These also stall economic activities especially farming and fishing, of the people in affected areas. Estimated damages caused by typhoons reach millions or even billions of pesos.
Summary of Chapters
I UNDERMINING THE POWER OF COMMUNITIES: This chapter introduces the controversial nature of mining in the Philippines and outlines the background of the study on Rapu-Rapu Island.
II ENVIRONMENTAL DECISIONS, HUMAN ECOLOGY, AND VALUES: This chapter establishes the theoretical framework, reviewing literature on decision-making, human ecology, and Filipino cultural values.
III RAPU-RAPU IN FOCUS: This chapter provides a geographic, historical, and demographic profile of the research site.
IV MINING EXPERIENCES AND THE PERCEIVED BENEFITS AND COSTS OF MINING: This chapter documents the history of mining in the region and the community's perceptions of its impact.
V POLITICS, ECONOMICS AND OTHER CONTEXTS OF MINING AND DECISION OF LOCAL COMMUNITY: This chapter analyzes how physical, political, economic, and sociocultural factors influenced the local decision to accept mining.
VI LOOKING BACK AND FORWARD: This chapter summarizes the study's findings and provides recommendations for governance and future project implementation.
Keywords
Mining, Rapu-Rapu, Philippines, Human Ecology, Local Community, Decision-making, Sustainable Development, Advocacy, Political Economy, Patron-client Relationship, Environmental Impact, Social Acceptability, Livelihood, Typhoon, Cultural Values
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this research about?
This study investigates why the local residents of Barangay Malobago, Rapu-Rapu, decided to accept a large-scale mining project, despite widespread opposition to mining in other parts of the Philippines.
What are the primary thematic areas?
The research focuses on the interplay between physical (e.g., typhoon-prone environment), political (e.g., local leadership), economic (e.g., need for alternative income), and sociocultural (e.g., family and patron-client ties) contexts.
What is the central research question?
The work seeks to understand the factors and contexts that lead a community to favor an environmentally critical project like mining when they are situated in a vulnerable, resource-dependent region.
What methodology was applied?
The study uses a descriptive, analytical, and explanatory approach, utilizing five primary data sources: direct observation, key informant interviews, literature analysis, participant observation, and a survey conducted during six months of fieldwork.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The book covers the history of mining in Rapu-Rapu, the influence of local political families, the role of the Catholic Church and other institutions in advocacy, and the economic impact of the project on local livelihoods.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include mining, social acceptability, human ecology, local community, and Philippine political economy.
Why did the anti-mining campaign fail in Malobago?
The campaign struggled because it lacked local leadership, relied on metaphors that were not easily understood by residents, and could not compete with the pro-mining narrative, which emphasized tangible economic benefits and employment.
What role does the 'patron-client relationship' play?
Patron-client relationships, deeply rooted in local political and social structures, heavily influenced residents to align with their political leaders who supported the mining project, as residents often look to these leaders for favors and security.
- Citation du texte
- Menandro Abanes (Auteur), 2006, Under-Mining the Power of Communities, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/161234
