A guide to wise decisions

A guide to wise decisions
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Posted date: March 05, 2008

Sustainable development is a philosophy, a way of thinking. It guides policymakers to wade through the conflict between environmental integrity and economic prosperity and reach a wise decision.

This philosophic concept seeks to balance two moral demands: The demand of the poor or marginalized who are looking for ways to uplift the quality of their lives for “development,” which suggests economic growth and stability; and the demand for “sustainability,” which suggests that the future should not be mortgaged just for present gains. The concept stems from the right of the future generations to enjoy a healthy, quality life and thus demands that the living refrain from spoiling/sacrificing natural resources for short-term social/economic benefits. In other words, sustainable development calls on the living to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

This philosophic concept applies to mining. Mining touches the ancient question on the relationship of morality and interest. Is it morally permissible to promote our own interests at the expense of the interests of others? Is it morally reasonable to promote the good of others when it requires sacrificing our needs, wants and luxuries in life?

It is said that mining, among others, induces economic growth, relieves poverty, creates job for the populace, and helps local government units generate more tax revenues. Some policymakers say the needs of the poor place on the shoulders of leaders the moral duty to improve the lives of the poor; therefore, as leaders, they must favor mining to show concern for the “needs of the present.” However, there are also policymakers who vehemently oppose mining. They say that mining destroys, and causes irreversible damage to, the environment. Pro-mining critics say that those who oppose mining are anti-poor and anti-growth.

But the same principle applies to meeting the “needs of the future generations.” The best interests of the future generations also make a moral demand on us all; meaning, it is our moral duty to attend to their needs. They also have a legitimate claim to the natural assets they need to live a decent life. They call the pro-mining advocates anti-life and anti-God.

Truly, when it comes to mining, the concept of sustainable development should be a guide for policymakers, so that their decisions and actions would protect and preserve the environment and, at the same time, promote economic prosperity.


REGINALD B. TAMAYO
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan