'Seize the opportunities that Tampakan project presents'

SOUTH COTABATO, Philippines – The Region 12 chapter of the Human Resource Developers Association-Philippine Management Association of the Philippines (HRDA-PMAP), the country’s largest organization of human resources managers and practitioners, said the country “should seize the opportunities” that the Tampakan copper-gold project has for the indigenous people and local communities.

“The Tampakan project presents an opportunity for the tribes to be involved in the workforce and employment can improve their standard of living,” said Aileen Nolida Tolimao, the group’s president.

Last week, the group, with members coming from General Santos City, Koronadal City, Tacurong town, and the provinces of Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat, issued a resolution endorsing the Tampakan project for the “unprecedented manpower requirement” that it offers for Region 12.

The signing of the resolution here was witnessed by former Labor secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, PMAP national president Arthur Florentin, Region 12 Department of Labor and Employment director Chona Mantilla, and General Santos City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio.

“The Tampakan project has the potential to improve local business and raise the standard of living in communities surrounding the project,” Tolimao said.

“We should not be influenced by our fears alone; let us think of those who will benefit from the project and let us all talk,” Tolimao said.