LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The Bakun-Aywanan group is urging the Provincial Board to protect the interests of indigenous peoples against large-scale mining interests, "including Royalco Philippine incorporated in Bakun."

Royalco has gotten the nod of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Central Office to start Phase III of its project in the town.

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However, protests still continue against the mining firm for allegedly getting a flawed Free and Prior Informed Consent.

The resolution stated the group has been opposing large-scale mining since the 1960.

The Gambang Indigenous Peoples and Community Organization Inc. (Gipaco) was formed to uphold and promote the rights, welfare and interests of indigenous peoples living in the municipality.

The group said Bakun is predominantly an agriculture area and "residents prefer farming as main source of livelihood."

Gipaco said: "After Royalco's mineral exploration, mining extraction will follow and we fear this will cause the loss of domestic water and irrigation supply and eventually dislocation of families, friends and neighbors, which will tear us apart towards losing our identity as one community."

Weeks ago, in an email, Ruben Quitoriano, senior mining engineer of the company, sent copies of the NCIP certification as well as assurance landowners opposing the mining firm not be included in coming work projects.

The resolution of the IP group was received Oct. 26 and likewise forwarded to the local provincial board this week.