OceanaGold inks MOA for social dev't mgm't program

MANILA, Philippines - Ten barangays in Didipio and neighboring communities in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino province, represented by their respective council leaders, signed a memorandum of agreement with OceanaGold (Philippines), Inc. for the implementation of the mining firm’s social development and management programs (SDMP).

Under the agreement, OceanaGold, in compliance with the Philippine Mining Act, is mandated to allot funds for the implementation of the SDMP for community projects of its host Barangay Didipio and those in neighboring communities during the conduct of its mining operations.

OceanaGold chairman Jose P. Leviste Jr., said the agreement, “solidifies our unwavering commitment to our beneficiary communities in the implementation of our social development and management programs, projects and other activities which are all in line with our goals and objectives of sustainable growth and development.”

OceanaGold’s SDMP fund, depending on its operational cost, will be equally divided among its host community which will receive 45 percent of the SDMP share and five percent for each of the nine other barangays. The remaining 10 percent will be allotted for common fund which will be utilized to cover common projects to be identified by the 10 recipient barangays.

Chito Gozar, OceanaGold senior vice president for communications and external affairs, said even before it starts operation, OceanaGold, which has a gold-copper project in Barangay Didipio, has been continuously giving significant contribution not only to the community but also to its neighboring towns. These are through scholarship and educational programs, reforestation and environment, health and sanitation and other worthwhile development projects.