Mining woes continue

Local government officials of Nonoc Island and executives of Shuley Mines, Inc. (SMI) are shocked and outraged that the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) is pressuring regional director Roger de Dios to recall SMI’s ore transport permit (OTP).

Documents shared with this columnist indicate that some powerful people seem to be pressuring De Dios to revoke SMI’s OTP despite its release on Oct. 12.

The OTP has allowed SMI to resume operations in Nonoc Island.

According to SMI vice president for corporate affairs lawyer Virgilio Farcon Jr., they have patiently waited for the release of the OTP for the last 14 months, complied with all the requirements and yet the moment it is given to them, director Leo Jasareno is requesting De Dios to recall the permit.

Talisay barangay captain Florencio Ramiso echoed Farcon’s frustration and outrage with this recent development, saying “our people in the barangays and communities in Nonoc Island have long been waiting for the resumption of SMI’s operations for the last 14 months as the residents depend on mining for their livelihood. Now that it is here, we are very surprised and frustrated that the MGB Central is going back on their word and is preventing SMI from continuing their operations.”

“SMI’s resumption of operations meant the restoration of hundreds of jobs for our residents. However, the withdrawal of the OTP mean job cuts and reduced income for thousands families. We are especially thankful to RD De Dios for respecting the rule of law and commend him on standing by his principles and maintaining his stance on the OTP issuance. His compliance to the order helps our people and communities that rely on SMI’s operations for income. We need more people like him in government who are willing to stand by their principles,” he added.

Brgy. captain Ramiso is urging the national government to look into this matter while officials of SMI are readying plans to take legal action.

Not so hidden agenda

A record number of more than 40 sculptors are joining the 5th Alay Sining one-day exhibit-sale of the Rotary Club of Makati West (RCMW) on Monday, November 19, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Ballroom on the 3rd floor of the Mandarin Oriental Manila along Paseo de Roxas in Makati.

Among the participating artists in what has become a showcase for the country’s top and up-and-coming sculptors are three National Artists, two The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Awardees, and various winners of national and international art competitions.

Alay Sining has been undertaken by the RCMW for the last five years in order to raise funds for the club’s Gift of Life (GOL) program. The program provides free heart operations to children from indigent families with congenital heart disease and has already helped save the lives of some 250 children since it was started in 2004.

RCMW president lawyer Ed Balois is inviting not just Rotarians but all people who love and collect art to come early to the Mandarin Oriental Manila on Nov. 19 as the sale will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Through Alay Sining, we wanted to highlight our sculptors whose works are being increasingly recognized not just in the country but also abroad. This exhibit-sale will offer our countrymen and foreigners alike the opportunity to acquire the best of Philippine sculptures to beautify and add class to their homes and offices. They are also a good business investment as their value can only increase in the years ahead,” Balois pointed out.

“At the same time, the buyers of these beautiful and collectible art pieces will be doubly happy and fulfilled as they will also be able to help more poor children undergo the heart surgery they need to stay alive and live long, healthy and productive lives,” the RCMW president further stated.

Invited as guests of honor during the opening of Alay Sining 5 are National Artists Napoleon Abueva, and Abdulmari Asia Imao, Metrobank chairman George Ty, RI District #3830 Governor Suzanne Sta. Maria, Puerto Princesa City mayor Edward Hagedorn, interior designer Ivy Almario and architect Ed Ledesma.

Alay Sining 5 is a project of RCMW’s Culture Committee headed by National Artist and past president I.P. Santos as chairman and past president Jun Alvendia as co-chairman. Other members of the committee are Ed Balois, Gil Chua, Paolo Delgado, Ernie Fajardo, Mon Guerrero, Bobby Lim, Ruy Moreno, Rene Nieva and Roque Tordesillas. Sponsors of the project are Meralco, PLDT, United Print Media Group (UPMG), Mandarin Oriental Manila, Siguion Reyna Montecillo & Ongsiako Law Offices and Perceptions, Inc.

The artists who are joining Alay Sining 5 are: National Artist Napoleon Abueva, Gus Albor, Agnes Arellano, Ral Arrogante, Felix Baldemor, Fred Baldemor, Wilson William Baldemor, Ferdinand Cacnio, Michael Cacnio, Fred Caedo, Glenn Cagandahan, Henri Cainglet, Lor Calma, Seb Chua Jr., Benjamin Dailo, Jonathan Dangue, Joe Datuin, Don Reich de Dios, Daniel dela Cruz, Raul Funilas, Rolando Facultad, Noy Gepte, Bisoy Iglesia, Abdulmari Asia Imao, Juan Sajid Imao, Pete Jimenez, Arturo Luz, Maria Magdamit, Romeo Montes, Carlito Ortega, Tito Obor, Ramon Orlina, Glenn Pagaduan, Ann Pamintuan, Antonino Raymundo, Ronel Roces, Lucky Salayog, Angeli Salcedo, Jinggoy Salcedo, Jonahmar Salvosa, Ian Valladarez, Francisco Verano, Jun Vicaldo Jr., Angelico Villanueva, Ben Hur Villanueva, Bumbo Villanueva, Nicky Wijangco and Reggie Yuson.

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