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Mine firm sets projects for Benguet town folks
By Mar T. Supnad

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet---The Royalco Philippines, which is conducting an exploration in Barangay Gambang, Bakun in this province will initiate more development projects for the villages in the town as stipulated in the memorandum of agreement signed among elders, the firm and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

The consensus was made during the re-consultation done at the Benguet Provincial Capitol recently among barangay officials of Gambang, council of elders, NCIP, the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau (MGB) and Royalco representatives with the perticipation of Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan who served as mediator during the re-consultation.

The NCIP and Royalco have agreed to the request of Barangay Gambang chairman Alvaro Paquito for barangay officials to be allowed to add to the conditions cited in the MOA, which was earlier signed. Paquito said the Gambang barangay council was not able to outline the conditions it wanted from Royalco to fulfill because the company failed to consult with the barangay officials and get their endorsement to the exploration.

He said the barangay was made to understand its endorsement for the project was a requirement in the grant of an exploration. NCIP lawyer Severino Lumiqued, however, said a barangay endorsement is not required for exploration. He said the consent of the people, through the conduct of a Free Prior Informed Consent would suffice.

MGB Regional Director Neoman dela Cruz, said barangay endorsement is only
required when a company applies for a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement, or when actual mining operations start.

De la Cruz added Royalco firms have completed all the requirements needed in the exploration and it did not commit any violations, saying they allowed the company to do the exploration along the sprawling 986 hectares at the four Sitios in Barangay Gambang, Bakun town. Among projects that would be undertaken by the firm are road rehabilitation and irrigation, among the programs cited in the MOA. Royalco's exploration permit is valid for two years, which is renewable until six years.

As this developed, Ruben Quitoriano, supervising engineer of the Royalco Philippines said they are much willing to sit down and talk with the barangay council provided the 10 council of elders representing the affected areas will also be part of the re-consultation.

“Our office is open to any discussion we are much willing to hear the peoples sentiments “, Quitoriano said.