MANILA, Philippines - Tribal leaders urge the public not to “belittle†their capacity to have an informed decision on issues hounding the controversial $5.9-billion proposed Tampakan copper-gold mining project straddling the South Cotabato, Davao del Sur, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat provinces.
“We know that if mining is done responsibly, it will bring us jobs, improve basic social services, and better quality of livingâ€, said Fulong Gideon Salutan, Blaan tribal chieftain in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur.
“We are studying this mining project very seriously, especially the company’s plan to manage the environmental impact of the project†Salutan said.
According to Salutan, 34 tribal leaders from Kiblawan and Tampakan, South Cotabato, and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat visited an existing open-pit mining project in Toledo City, Cebu “to learn about mining and its impact.â€
“Toledo City is peaceful and progressive due to good governance and proper management of the mining operation,†said Fulong Juanito Malid, Blaan tribal chieftain in Salnaong, Columbio town.