Pasil, Kalinga – Supporting the declaration of the 700-hectare in Barangays Bagtayan and Galdang, Pasil as People’s Small-Scale Mining Area, Mayor Alfredo “Chao-ig” Malannag, Jr. said the ‘Minahang Bayan’ would create opportunities for the better future of the municipality.
In his message during the ceremonial declaration of the area of Guina-ang Tribe Indigenous People Cultural Community (GTIPCC) held this January 20, 2022 at Las Vegas Hotel and Restaurant, Malannag underscored that with the ‘Minahang Bayan’, there will be employment opportunities and more revenues to be generated, thus lifting the status of the tribe.
This was seconded by the Regional Director of Geosciences Bureau-Cordillera (MGB-CAR) Fay W. Apil and Governor Ferdinand Tubban who officially signed the declaration, as witnessed by the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) and members of the Guina-ang tribe.
With the declaration, Kalinga now has its first ‘Minahang Bayan.’
Malannag lauded the efforts of the proponent, Artemio Dalsen, for not giving up from the time he proposed the ‘Minahang Bayan’ in 2005 until its declaration yesterday.
Application for the Small-Scale Mining Contract
The mayor assured the community who owns the land within the area of the ‘Minahang Bayan’ that their lots will be excluded from the Small-Scale Mining Contract supposing they refuse to give consent.
“Nu haan kayo agited ti consent for the application for the Small-Scale Mining Contract, haan ladta nga maminas diay,” Malannag clarified.
The Small-Scale Mining Contract is a requirement that should be acquired by the tribe before the start of mining operation in the area.
Scheduled General Assembly
To further disseminate information to the affected community, the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) has scheduled a general assembly for the Guina-ang tribe on February 16.
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) will be invited to facilitate the conduct of the assembly and to provide information on the Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) and the rights and privileges of the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs).
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