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BAGUIO CITY: The Mines Geosciences Bureau of the Department of
Environment and Natural resources has permitted the Royalco
Philippines Incorporated, formerly Oxiana Philippines Inc. to
conduct an exploration of probable gold mining site within the 986
hectares land site in Barangay Gambang, Bakunm, Benguet, some 300
kilometers north of Manila.
This was disclosed by Ruben Quitoriano Sr.,
Mining Engineer of the Royalco Philippines Inc. saying that the
first year occupational fees of P73, 950 has already been paid to
the municipality of Bakun.
Quitoriano said that the exploration permit that
is valid for two years was granted to the mining firm on May 21,
after the National Commission of Indigenous People central office
released its certification.
Prior to all certifications and permits from the
government authorities, the community through its elected leaders
and their duly elders and other residents who are actual land
occupants in the sitio of Gambang Proper, Yugo, Tood and Tuwa-ok,
all from Barangay Gambang, signed a memorandum of agreement with
Royalco Philippines where they agreed to the terms of the
exploration permit.
Among those undertakings of the Royalco
Philippines Inc. for the benefit of the community included, the road
rehabilitation, road maintenance, and development of potable water
system, concreting of Gambang Elementary School basketball court and
provide a monthly allowance for two teachers and three daycare
workers.
Quitoriano added that employment is also at
stake once the exploration and mining development start. “ We are
prioritizing people in the area who are capable of mining jobs and
administrative work,” he explained.
-- Thom F. Picaña
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