The Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Cordillera conducted a public consultation on the establishment of a mineral reservation area in Barangay Talifugo, Conner, Apayao on March 9.
Engr. Stephen Joshua Blanco presented the legal basis for the establishment of a mineral reservation area, while results of the detailed mineral reservation survey of Talifugo Copper-Gold Prospect were explained by supervising geologist Raymanne Emmanuel Mabazza.
Results of the survey showed the presence of intense mineralization in the project area. Rock chip samples taken from the area returned an assay result of 1.915 (gm/MT) which reinforces the copper-gold potential of the area.
MGB-Cordillera Chief Geologist Benigno Espejo said the bureau will endorse the declaration of the area to the central office immediately after the required documents have been completed. The public consultation is one of the requirements.
Talifugo barangay officials and residents led by Punong Barangay Primo Tacpi attended the consultation and supported the endeavor.
Mayor Jerico Bayaua said the project is a welcome development for the municipality, adding this could add to the internal revenue of the local government unit.
He said the municipal government’s budget is highly dependent on the National Tax Allotment share and with the declaration of a mineral reservation area in the municipality, he expects economic prospects will be better for the local government and the people.
Vice Mayor Alexander Aswigue, Lilybeth Dascil representing the office of Gov. Elias Bulut, and Kennedy Battikin, officer-in-charge of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office of Conner also attended and encouraged adherence to environmental laws. – MGB release
