IN time for the celebration of International Women's Month, a group of mothers, representing the four villages of the island of Manicani — Banaag, Buenavista, Hamorawon, San Jose in Manicani Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar — gather together to draw attention to the economic condition in their communities, committing to protecting Manicani as they await the resumption of jobs on the island.

On March 2, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announces the resumption of the operations of Hinatuan Mining Corp. (HMC) after years of deliberation, including the release of the result of the investigation conducted by the Agency's 'special team,' attesting to the feasibility and viability of mining on the island.