By LARA CARTUJANO
www.nordis.net

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet ― Two resolutions were favorably endorsed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in their regular meeting here, December 12 which allows two small scale mining outfits to operate separately in Tuba and Itogon towns of this province.

In Tuba, the Sangguniang Bayan approved Resolution No. 155, S. 2011 entitled “Interposing no objection to the application of the Kilbasen Mariano Small Scale Miner’s Association, Inc., along Pugo, Camp 4, Tuba, Benguet.”

In line with this, the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) has set conditions, saying that the Kilbasen Mariano Small Scale Miner’s Association, Inc. will be allowed to mine on the said area as long as they comply with the following conditions such as; strict compliance with National and Local Laws/Ordinances; creation of a Multi-Sectoral Monitoring Team; and that the area of operation is within their territorial jurisdiction.

The barangay council of Camp 4, Tuba has also approved Resolution No. 62, dated August 3, 2011, which allowed the said SSM permit application of the SSM association and endorsed it to the PMRB.

The resolution however, was not signed by the Punong Barangay of Camp 4.

On the other hand, the Itogon Resolution No. 289, S. 2011, entitled “Indorsing matter to the Office of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) of Benguet through the Chairman and Provincial Governor, Hon. Nestor B. Fongwan” was approved by the PMRB.

The said resolution approves the small scale mining permit application of Denver Domilos to operate Sitio Tapsan, Barangay Ampucao of Itogon.

In line with this, Resolution No. 56, S. 2011 of Barangay Ampucao was passed to support Domilos’ application.

A public consultation was conducted on October 3 at Saes, Ampucao of the said town between Denver and the surface claimants. No objections were raised against the application. However the application was not notarized because there were no documents that can confirm if the required public consultation really happened. # nordis.net