Monday, October 08, 2007 Firms told anew to seek IPs consent on development projects
APPLICANTS for mining, mining explorations, hydro plants projects and communication towers put up were reminded anew to first consult indigenous communities prior to any activity with regard their proposals.
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Regional Director Amador Batay-an iterated that companies must first seek the consent of indigenous peoples regarding their applications.
He said several mining companies have pending mining and exploration applications. Nine firms have applied for mining applications while five applied for Mineral Production Sharing Agreement.
Aside from mining, two companies are applying for geothermal projects, six for mini-hydros and three applications are pending for the put up of communication towers.
Under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (Ipra), indigenous communities affected by any development projects need to give their consent first before applications are processed and approved.
Lack of consultation between indigenous communities was complained as one of the major violations of companies proposing for development projects.
In Benguet, indigenous peoples in the towns of Tuba, Itogon and Bokod are presently opposing applications for mining explorations and mining activities. (JC)
