‘…kastoy ti statement ko, nu adda ti … ounce of doubt… nu panggep dita operation, number 1 nak nga kumontra dita.’ – Gov. Edduba on mining issue

Tabuk City, Kalinga – During the inter-agency flag raising ceremony of the Kalinga PLGU this Monday, May 5, 2024, Governor James S. Edduba took time to clarify his position regarding mining in Kalinga since manipulated issues have been forced to be connected to his being the governor.

Edduba has been bravely facing questions and answering tirades of people on social media trying to connect him to issues of possible large-scale mining in the province, particularly the recent developments on the plans of Makilala Mining Company and its signing of Memorandum of Agreement with NCIP and the Indigenous Community of Balatoc where the mining shall be carried out if the plan ever proceeds.

Some issues being circulated by dummy or anonymous accounts are painting the narrative that the governor loaned Kalinga Province for a large-scale mining project, that he signed a MOA to start the mining, and that he was behind the deals of the mining with Makilala Mining Company.

Edduba categorically said that there were only two instances where he affixed his signatures regarding Makilala Mining Company, one is as a witness and second the MOA for infrastructure project (not mining).

“…Isu nga idi kunada nga okay nagpirma nak as a witness dakami kini mayor chao-ig, daytoy ti first participation ko ditoy Makilala Mining Company while idi Governor nak ah, idi Governor nak. Second nga participation ko ta pilitin da ngay nga i-connect kanyak dayta nga minas and this is on mabalin nga uray pay diay resolution na daytoy, diay pinirmaak, it is an authority given to me by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice-Governor Jocel Baac, authorizing me to enter into a MOA on behalf of the province of Kalinga wherein the Makilala will … 800 million pesos for the opening of the road that will be constructed…,” explained Edduba.

The Governor likewise assured that if there is an ounce of doubt regarding the promises of Makilala Mining Company over how they will operate in ensuring the environmental safety and safeguards, he will be the first to oppose the mining project. He also assured the people of Tabuk that they will be heard and that consultations will be made, as the mining project has not started yet.

“… kastoy ti statement ko, saan pay kitdi nga nagrugi dayta minas after this… we can ask the Makilala Mining Company ta ikonsulta da kadatayu ditoy Tabuk. Ikonsulta tayo ditoy haan lang nga idiay (Pasil) ti makonsulta da. …tapnu nu adda ti … there’s an ounce of doubt… nu panggep dita operation, number one nak nga kumontra dita.. ta haan da amin nga i-connect kanyak.

Edduba explained that consultations must go beyond initial agreements and include the current affected communities, stressing that the company has claimed compliance with all requirements and has shown that the farmlands will not be damaged by the proposed operations.

Edduba said he is forced to explain because it is unfair on his part that they force him to connect issues to him when he has no direct authority or involvement.

“Isu nga i-ex-explain ko kadakayu  ta unfair met on my part ta piliten da nga i-connect kanyak ket nu hanko inbaga ditoy baka namati kayo ti ibagbaga da, it is also unfair to my part… That is why I chose not to be a contractor, I chose not to be a businessman, tapnu agserbi ak laeng para kadakayu ti kayat tayo,” said Edduba.