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Friday, March 29, 2024

Digging for profit or grave?

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I have to be honest; this is one of the topics I was able to enjoy during class discussion. It is a very controversial topic but a very interesting one. A lot of insights were shared in class that was eye opening for me. They say that mining is an indication of growth and industrialization for a society. One cannot escape from needing this industry to prosper and develop as a nation. Maybe this is also one of the reasons why despite the harmful effects that mining does to the environment and the people, we cannot fully eradicate it in our society. It maybe sad but true, we need mining.

The reality of mining

As complicated as it may seem, as ordinary citizens it would be helpful if we try to understand the reality of the mining industry—the people doing business and those living and employed in the mining zones. One of my classmates even shared the insights of one of his friends who was engaged in a mining business in our country.

I was already aware of the various taxes and permits that one has to secure in doing a business, but the way he explained it wherein a businessman will need to bribe each level of government official from the barangay level, to the municipal until you reach the national government thru the government agencies. No wonder they do not plan to have a contingency plan or a more sustainable plan for those people who will be affected by the mining activities.

How could you? If you try to compute all the costs and money that you need to shell out to get the business going and managing it ethically, you will realize that it will be worth millions and you’re not even sure if you will be reaping profit.

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A lot to improve

From a businessman’s perspective, this is unfair. I get that. We do not decide to engage in business to make the government rich. We engage in business because we want to gain profit. However, with the current system of our Philippine society especially when it comes to trade, I must say that we have a lot to improve still.

As discussed in class, I agree that we need to simplify certain areas in our processes to make it friendlier to those individuals/corporations who wanted to engage in business. In addition to this, our on-going problem with corruption is taking its toll on the current realities of our fellowmen living within the mining zones.

It caught my attention, when it was mentioned during the sharing in class that for businessmen in the mining industry, it is okay for them to have a sustainable development plan for the affected locals. The invested capital might be high at first, but you will definitely gain the returns sooner than you think.

However, it is impractical for them, given our current trading policies and system. With all the bribery happening before you even engage in actual business activities, you will realize that you will gain losses rather than profit. So it is not practical.

Duties and responsibilities

Why am I highlighting this concern? I believe that as much as these big companies have a responsibility in their business dealings especially with their stakeholders, I also believe that our government has the duty to take an active role in the situation. It has the power to punish those who fail to follow and uphold the rights of the people and our Constitution.

Aside from this, all those who will engage in trade will go to them to have permits and be granted with business operations. If they will be able to create a more conducive environment for business where simplified processes are in place to avoid illegal negotiations, this might attract more people to invest in the country. This will definitely create more jobs for Filipinos.

Aside from this, if existing policies regarding environment protection will be properly monitored and implemented, businesses will follow and will surely include the protection of their stakeholders, as harsh punishments will be taken if this will not be followed.

The author is an MBA student at Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, De La Salle University.  This article was taken from her blog written for the course Lasallian Business Leadership, Ethics, and Corporate Social Responsibility.  Visit her blog at  https://thoughtsofacorporategal.wordpress.com/.

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of De La Salle University, its faculty, and its administrators.

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