Sunday, June 22, 2008 Gambang elders say Royalco's permit is valid By Jane Cadalig
ELDERS of Gambang, Bakun have attested to the regularity of the process, which led to the issuance of an exploration permit to a firm wanting to determine the mineral deposits in the village.
Enero Calapen and Alex Soriano, both members of the council of elders in Barangay Gambang, said the Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC), which paved the way for the issuance of the exploration permit for Royalco Philippines Inc. was done in compliance with the law.
Calapen said all the councils of elders in the affected communities were represented when Royalco, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the indigenous peoples' representative signed the assailed memorandum of agreement (MOA).
The elders said the affected communities gave their consent, adding that they were in favor of the exploration because of the development the firm would bring in their area.
They made the pronouncements following a letter from Barangay Gambang chairman Alvaro Paquito asking Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan to intervene for another round of consultation among the affected communities.
NCIP Provincial Legal Officer Severino Lumiqued maintained that the agency did not commit any irregularity in the issuance of FPIC and certification pre-condition.
Lumiqued denied claims of the Gambang Indigenous Peoples Organization, which were cited by Paquito, that the required majority vote was not met. "During the consultative community assembly, there was no agreement the FPIC will fail if majority of those authorized to vote in the referendum are not in favor," he said.
Detractors have claimed NCIP disregarded the majority vote imposed by the community, as part of their decision-making process, among the reasons cited for Paquito's request for re-consultation. They also assailed the conduct of the MOA signing done outside Bakun's jurisdiction.
Lumiqued, however, said the venue for the MOA signing does not have a bearing in the legality of the agreement. "We chose to do it in Bangao, Buguias for the convenience of the elders," he said.
The elders, NCIP and Royalco officials said they were surprised when Paquito issued the letter, adding that as far as the process is concerned, all went well.
Royalco senior mining engineer Ruben Quitoriano and community relations officer Lourdes Dolinen said majority of the Gambang people favor the exploration.
"We get at least 80 percent of the people's approval," Quitoriano said, adding that the company has not started exploration works yet.
"But we are already implementing development projects, such as road improvements in the area," he said.
The company, he said, is now mobilizing its equipment in preparation for the exploration works.
The permit issued by the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau covers an area of 986 hectares.
