Cebu, Philippines – June 30, 2025 – A powerful and deeply engaging workshop titled "Ang Mga Kaagi Nato sa Pagmina sa Cebu" (Our Experiences and Stories of Mining in Cebu) concluded today, marking a significant step towards fostering collaborative understanding and relationship-building among communities impacted by mining in Cebu. The event, designed to be a collaborative discussion, successfully created a space for participants to share their lived experiences and perspectives on the complex issue of extractivism.

The workshop, held with an emphasis on fostering long-term relationships, commenced with a unique "show and tell" introduction. Participants were encouraged to bring a physical object related to mining in their locality, such as a poster, stone, photo, or document. This innovative approach immediately grounded the discussions in personal narratives, allowing attendees to share their "mining story," their motivations for attending, and their hopes for the day.

Opening remarks set the tone, delving into the socio-political, socio-economic, environmental, and policy issues surrounding extractives in Cebu. The speaker's compelling narrative, relating to "rigged monopoly" research, underscored how the value chain of extractives often works against genuine participation, emphasizing the critical need for voices to be heard across the entire process.

A key segment of the workshop was a presentation by Jake Atienza, who provided an overview of his research project and introduced the concept of "counter-mapping." This theoretical grounding prepared participants for the highly interactive "Mapping Activity" that followed. Divided into groups, attendees collaboratively created a large overview map of Cebu, meticulously marking their localities, the proximity of quarries, factories, and piers, and significant landmarks.

The mapping activity was guided by a series of thought-provoking questions designed to elicit a comprehensive understanding of mining's impact. Participants were asked to describe their localities, recount experiences of violence (such as pressure from politicians, landslides, or dispossession), and reflect on their perceptions of mining in relation to politics, environment, family, safety, and economy. The discussions also delved into specific incidents, lawsuits, and the generational memory of what has been gained and lost in their areas due to mining.

The afternoon session saw the continuation of the mapping activity, with groups delving into more detailed maps per town, while still contributing to the larger Cebu overview. The day culminated in a powerful "Synthesis & Merienda" session, where each group presented their maps and shared their discussions. All key points were meticulously recorded as bullet points on Manila paper, ensuring that every voice and perspective was captured.

The workshop concluded with a forward-looking discussion on "Next Steps," emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration and action. The success of "Ang Mga Kaagi Nato sa Pagmina sa Cebu" lies not only in the rich data and insights gathered but, more importantly, in the strong relationships forged and the empowered voices that emerged from this crucial gathering. The event truly demonstrated the power of community-led dialogue in navigating the complexities of natural resource governance in the Philippines.

/cgll