“UNSUSTAINABLE AND UNETHICAL MINING IN THE LANDSCAPE

ECOLOGY (AFFECTING STABILITY)”

Ronald Valledor Gomeseria, Ph.D*
PE, PEng, PME, CEng, CBuildE, CEnv, ASEANEng, ACPE, IntPE, CEMgr, CHCMgr, MPM, CIPM, Plumbing Engineer
27,770 LinkedIn Followers Connections

Environment and Natural Resources Management

University of the Philippines
Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines
DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/YHCS8 | ENRM Articles Personal Journal | 20 September 2019
**Corresponding Author: ronaldgomeseria6283@gmail.com / rvgomeseria@up.edu.ph
Abstract

Figure 01, Aerial View of Masbate Mining Area (credit image, distinctive performance)

The article paper has been initiated by the author to compose and share with the people around the
world. The topic will discuss and feature the Masbate Gold Mining as an example that covers 2,477
hectares and started the operation last 2008 and up to the present for their mining operation activities in

Unsustainable and Unethical Mining in the Landscape Ecology (Affecting Stability) / UP STD NO 2011-82336 7-Pages of Page | 1
Gomeseria, Ronald y Valledor

the Bicol Region, which covers the entire natural landscape ecology being altered and destroyed after
they have got the richness of the country for their own interest that supposed to be for the Filipino. It is
one of the examples of unsustainable and unethical mining operations ever have in the Philippines within
the ecological aspect which will become a global challenge, and perhaps, restoration is not possible but
violating the RA 7942 governance policy within the region affecting the wet and upland resources.

Table of Contents
Title Page..........................................................................................................................page 01
Abstract……....................................................................................................................... page 01
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................. page 02
Acknowledgment............................................................................................................... page 02
1. Section 01, Landscape Ecology’s Definition.................................................................... page 03
2. Section 02, Unsustainable Mining Affecting Stability........................................................ page 03
3. Section 03, Unethical Mining Affecting Stability...............................................................page 04
4. Section 04, Throwback................................................................................................. page 04
5. Section 05, Environmental Policy with the Present Administration.................................... page 04
6. Section 06, Development of Landscape Ecology............................................................. page 06
7. Section 07, About the Origin of Landscape Ecology......................................................... page 06
8. Section 08, Conclusion................................................................................................. page 06
9. Section 09, Statement of Authorship............................................................................. page 06
10. Section 10, References Cited.........................................................................................page 06
11. Section 11, Write-Up References can be Read from this Links......................................... page 06
12. About the Author........................................................................................................page 07

Acknowledgment
The author would like to thank and dedicate these works to my beloved wife (Jennifer VA), my
beloved daughters, and sons (Weng, Aje, Jenjen. Jonjon and Rheion), who cheer and inspired
me every time I am down with frustrations, and most especially is to my God, who gave me wisdom and
protecting me all the time (The author owe his life to him.).
Thank you, and Happy Reading!
God Bless!
Ronald Valledor Gomeseria

Keywords: Sustainability, Biocentric, Landscape Functions, Services, Environmental Management, Water

Design, Anthropocentric, Policy, Goals, Conservation, Planning, Decision, Urban Greening

To cite this paper: Gomeseria, R. V. (2019, September 20). Unsustainable and Unethical Mining in
the Landscape Ecology (Affecting Stability). https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/YHCS8

Unsustainable and Unethical Mining in the Landscape Ecology (Affecting Stability) / UP STD NO 2011-82336 7-Pages of Page | 2
 Unsustainable and Unethical Mining in the Landscape Ecology (Affecting Stability) | DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/YHCS8

Section 01
Landscape Ecology’s Definition
According to Almo Farina in his article and quoted as, “Landscapes and their Ecological Components,”
defined that the “landscape ecology is a discipline that studies environmental complexity, concentrating
mainly on an analysis of the importance of spatial relationships between the various components such as
individuals, populations, communities, and land mosaics of the real world.”
Wherein describes the current situation of development that “defined as the spatial representation of an
ecosystem, a landscape is composed of many superimposed environments.” Moreover, Jianguo (Jingle)
Wu defines and quoted as, “Landscape ecology is an interdisciplinary field that aims to understand and
improve the relationship between spatial pattern and ecological processes on a range of scales.”
One of the examples of landscape ecology can be seen in Figure 02 as discussed in the author’s
published article, “Environmental Determinism,” which describes the conservative aspect of rural
areas and mostly found in the provinces with land mosaics spatial pattern of ecology.

Figure 02, Example of Land Ecology found in the Rural Areas (credit, Foreigner Farming)

Section 02
Unsustainable Mining Affecting Stability
The existing heterogeneous environments are now in a critical stage in the stability of the landscape
ecosystem (Figure 01), which can be referred to and caused by mining activities and rampant
deforestation operations. As we all know that through mining activities have contributed more
significant negative values impacting the landscape environment.
However, heterogeneity is an essential characteristic and ingredients of landscape ecology. But because
of human activities thereof, the landscape stability has been damaged continuously. And with the mining
practices and without any program in restoring the same, therefore, the process will
contribute unsustainable affecting the existing landscape structure. Additionally, these will result in
landscape fragmentation that includes vegetation, soil degradation, wildlife habitats, disruption or loss
of flora and fauna loss of biodiversity, and most especially, will alter the hydrological cycle of the
ecological aspect of the landscape environment.

Unsustainable and Unethical Mining in the Landscape Ecology (Affecting Stability) / UP STD NO 2011-82336 7-Pages of Page | 3
Gomeseria, Ronald y Valledor

Section 03
Unethical Mining Affecting Stability
The author may say that through human activities and the pattern they are working without any
rehabilitation program can be considered unethical mining affecting the upland communities and the
wetland itself. Despite the rehabilitation being considered by the mining companies involved, however,
the truth is, the landscape stability can’t be restored for the same as it was. Deforestation is one of the
factors in the mining activities whereas rehabilitation of forests through tree planting, which is a long
process actually, compared to the mining resources they’ve got within the mining area, e.g. Masbate
Mining Field (Figure 01, Aerial View of Masbate Mining Area).
Based on the unethical mining history, most of the mining companies were violating RA 7942 -
Philippine Mining Act of 1995 of Section 69, and it is about the “Environmental Protection.” The
author quoted that, “directing the contractor to undertake as well as enhancement program accordingly,
whereas, the work program specifies that includes not only for the mining operations plans but through
with the effort of providing and I quoted as; rehabilitation, regeneration, revegetation, and reforestation
of mineralized areas, slope stabilization of mined-out and tailings covered areas, aquaculture, watershed
development, and water conservation; and socio-economic development.”
Moreover, with the help of EO 26 (2011) – National Greening Program and EO 193 (2015) –
Expanded NGP can be justified in resolving landscape stability to regain the landscape ecology evolving
the required Sustainable Development Goals Program.

Section 04
Throwback
In 30-years after the Marcos administration, the mining industries are everywhere whereas graft and
corruption from the government sides can’t we count on from Aquino to Aquino administrations that
spoiled the trusts of the people and perhaps, the practices are very rampant and have no place can
actually completely get away from these mining practices. Because of unsustainable practices, these
are the reasons why the landscape ecosystem had suffered as they don’t care all about the environment
even and the lives of people living in the wetland and upland areas were tremendously affected, resulted
as they got ill and sick. Similarly, on various occasions happenings within the environmental sector are
due to irresponsible and unethical practices that gave negative impact done by the mining industries in
the Philippines to the people that fail to serve sustainable mining in return in conjunction with RA 7942 -
Philippine Mining Act of 1995 government policy.

Section 5
Environmental Policy with the Present Administration
In the recent year under the President Duterte administration, however, he subsidized and ordered the
implementation of the total mining ban in the Philippines for both large-scale and small-scale mining
companies within the ecosystem. With the stern warning from the President is a big step and help on
how to sustain and curing a polluted mining area throughout the Philippines to find a solution to a
sustainable environment for the next generation.
The order is an excellent initiative and moves from the government which has the political will, following
the order which they are not allowed in doing some mining businesses anymore. And most of the
irresponsible that was committed are from those tycoon mining companies occupying the mining area in
the country for such cruelty and unsustainable impact mostly in the wetland and upland areas violating
the RA 7942 - Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

Unsustainable and Unethical Mining in the Landscape Ecology (Affecting Stability) / UP STD NO 2011-82336 7-Pages of Page | 4
 Unsustainable and Unethical Mining in the Landscape Ecology (Affecting Stability) | DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/YHCS8

Section 6
Development of Landscape Ecology
With the given example as discussed above, the landscape ecology can be defined as a discipline of two
schools of thought based on the theories and designs as such; “European School” and the “American
School”. The difference between the two can be defined that European School has focused on the
“built” system while the American School is referring bound to “natural” systems within the ecosystem
depending on the location you are facing and most specifically on the given natural resources.
Moreover, in the author’s professional practice has bound to the theories and designs of European
School, and as an example on which we designed the interdisciplinary building-built environment in
developing the community as required by the stakeholders. However, with the two-schools defined by
M/s Kevin McGarigal of his article; “Introduction to Landscape Ecology,” the author prefers both schools
not only what the author has had in his professional practice but the given “natural resources” focusing
on the ecological aspect of our environment as an environmental advocates and as a registered
Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv).
In the foregoing study of landscape ecology, the author may be focusing on the “Landscape towards
Sustainable Development.” This will be focusing on the combination of the landscape ecology schools
with “built” and “natural” systems in sustaining a sustainable environment.
Section 7
About the Origin of Landscape Ecology
The origin of the landscape of ecology depending on the country’s regional activities and environmental
behavior based on their culture. However, the Philippines are rich in natural resources and diverse islands
throughout the archipelago. The ecological aspect was already given with a perfect creation by God, but
because of Spaniard's colonialism that enslaves the country for more than 300-years, and the true history
was destroyed and hides to the countrymen. From then, and up to the present, and from generation to
generation, the country is being taught with false history throughout the education system, but, sad to
say, that’s what the reality is happening in the country.
Section 8
Conclusion
With all the above mentioned articulates the author’s ethical position, perspective, and viewpoint on the
major ethical issues that are being played within the environment we live in. It is essential to know
things and relate the characteristics of people towards the environmental landscape ecology as well as
the environmental impact within the ecosystem in aligning with the technological innovation that can be
used somehow in saving the earth and the people's demand. Additionally, the importance of political will
in the governance and love of the environment are the driven aspects in sustaining a sustainable
environment and protecting the landscape ecological environment on either work of mining operation or
within the interdisciplinary field.
Section 09
Statement of Authorship
The author has developed and conducted all necessary literature research in completing this article
composition with the prepared conceptual framework, identifying thematic points on all cases, formulated
recommendations, and undertook the write-up as a part-time work to complete this paper.
Section 10
References Cited
Morestin, F. (2012). A Framework for Analyzing Public Policies: Practical Guide. Retrieved from:
http://www.ncchpp.ca/docs/Guide_framework_analyzing_policies_En.pdf

Unsustainable and Unethical Mining in the Landscape Ecology (Affecting Stability) / UP STD NO 2011-82336 7-Pages of Page | 5
Gomeseria, Ronald y Valledor

Patton, Carl. V; David S. Sawicki & Jennifer Clark. 2012. Basic Methods of Policy Analysis and Planning.
3rd ed. Routledge. Read Chapter 1, pp. 1-18. Retrieved from:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/49249379_Basic_Methods_of_Policy_Analysis_and_Planning
/link/58000a2808ae32ca2f5db852/download
Milovanovitch, Mihaylo. 2018. Guide to Policy Analysis. European Training Foundation. Read 2.1 and 2.2.
pp. 7-19. Retrieved from:
https://www.etf.europa.eu/sites/default/files/m/72B7424E26ADE1AFC12582520051E25E_Guide%20to
%20policy%20analysis.pdf
Lidija Knuth (2006); “Greening cities for improving urban livelihoods,” Rome, FAO
Tüzin Baycan Levent (2004); “Urban Green Space Policies,” 44th European Congress of the European
Regional Science Association; Regions and Fiscal Federalism; 25-29 August 2004, Porto, Portugal
ENRM Governance of the Upland Environment, University of the Philippines
Robert Wood & John Handley .2001. Landscape Dynamics and the Management of Change, Landscape
Research, 26:1, 45-54, DOI: 10.1080/01426390120024475
Turner, M.G., R.H. Gardner, and R.V. O'Neill. 2001. Landscape ecology in theory and practice: pattern
and process. Springer Science Business Media. Madison, USA
Krováková, K., Semerádová, S., Mudrochová, M., & Skaloš, J. (2015). Landscape functions and their
change – a review on methodological approaches. Ecological Engineering, 75, 378–383. from;
https://www.academia.edu/16689700/Landscape_functions_and_their_change_a_review_on_methodo
logical_approaches

Section 11
Write-Up References can be Read from this Links;
Gomeseria, RV; (January 2020); “Human-Altered Landscape towards Country's Sustainable
Environment Vision;” Retrieved from;
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338390617_Human-
Altered_Landscape_towards_Country's_Sustainable_Environment_Vision
Gomeseria, RV; (January 2020); “Desert Landscape to a Sustainable Environment;” Retrieved frm;
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338295474_Desert_Landscape_to_a_Sustainable_Environm
ent
Gomeseria, RV; (March 20, 2020); “Thoughts & Actions in Environmental Advocacy;” Retr from;
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339712968_Thoughts_Actions_in_Environmental_Advocacy
Gomeseria, RV; (January 16, 2020); “Upland Environmental Governance Concerns;” Retrieved frm;
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338634535_Upland_Environmental_Governance_Concerns
Gomeseria, RV; (January 24, 2019); “Hypocrisy of Environmental Advocacy Thought and Actions
in Need;” Retrieved from;
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330601536_Hypocrisy_of_Environmental_Advocacy_Though
t_and_Actions_in_Need

Unsustainable and Unethical Mining in the Landscape Ecology (Affecting Stability) / UP STD NO 2011-82336 7-Pages of Page | 6
 Unsustainable and Unethical Mining in the Landscape Ecology (Affecting Stability) | DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/YHCS8

About the Author

With 27,770+ LinkedIn Followers Connections (28 February 2020)

Er. Ronald Valledor Gomeseria, Ph.D. ME/PME, PE, PEng, CEng, CBuildE, CEnv, APEC (IntPE), ACPE, ASEANEng
Professional Engineer (Philippines, Qatar, India, UK); Chartered Engineer (India, UK); Chartered Environmentalist (India);
Chartered Engineering Manager (USA); Chartered Health Care Manager (USA); Specialized Engineering Manager (UK);
Specialized Project Manager (UK); Master Project Manager (USA); Chartered Building Engineer (UK); ASEAN Engineer; ASEAN
Chartered Professional Engineer; APEC Engineer (IntPE); Mechanical Engineer (Phils); Plumbing Engineer / Master Plumber
(Phils); Master Electrician (Phils); Certified International Project Manager (USA)

Book & Article Author/Writer – CEAI ViewPoint Journal | Durresamin Journal | Top 1% Author of Academia and
ResearchGate Platforms | LinkedIn | CHARTERED FELLOW – FCIBSE, FCABE, FSPE, FIMS, FCIML, FAAMP

eCommerce Graduate Course (99.34 GWA-High Distinction Award); New Enterprise Planning Grad Course (94.6 GWA Distinction Award)
RCRANRM / CCA&DRM / PED Graduate Courses – UPOU CEP Courses Topnotch | SAfE Course (2020 – Ongoing)
Post Graduate Diploma in Environment and Natural Resources Management major in Upland Resources Management (DENRM-URM, 1.78 GWA)
Post Graduate Diploma in Environment and Natural Resources Management major in Coastal Resources Management (DENRM-CRM) - Ongoing
University of the Philippines, Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines

Master of Science in Construction Management (36 Credit Units / 2016-2018, 1.14 GWA / 4.0 US GPA, Topnotch)
Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines

Master of Mechanical Engineering (48 Credit Units / 2010-2013, 3.78 US GPA, Magna Cum Laude)
Ph.D. in Building and Construction Engineering (65 Credit Units / 2016-2019, 4.0 US GPA, Summa Cum Laude)
Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering (Ongoing)
Atlantic International University, USA

Master of Arts in Teaching major in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology | EARIST Manila, Philippines (1.12 GPA, 2002-2004)

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Bicol University, Legazpi City, Philippines

You can access the Top 10 Most Read Views and Popular Articles
1) The eCommerce Business Plan (Published at ResearchGate)
2) Environmental Determinism (Published at Academia)
3) Reflection on the Battle of Manila Bay (Published at LinkedIn)
4) Fire Detection and Alarm System (Published at LinkedIn and Academia)
5) Building Services Engineering Management (Published at Academia and ResearchGate)
6) Environment Possibilism - Durreesamin Journal (Published at Academia and LinkedIn)
7) High Rise Building Fire Environment (Published at Academia)
8) The Importance of Environmental Communication (Published at LinkedIn)
9) The Effect of Nacirema Body Ritual and Practices (Published at ResearchGate)
10) The Approach of the Four Laws of Ecology (Published at LinkedIn)

Unsustainable and Unethical Mining in the Landscape Ecology (Affecting Stability) / UP STD NO 2011-82336 7-Pages of Page | 7