IBALANGIBOG SA BUONG MUNDO, ORAGON AN BICOLANO! KAYA TA AN RESPONSABLENG PAGMIMINA SA RAPU-RAPU!

THE NEWSWEEK
Volume 1 No. 1 May 18 – 24, 2006

DENR SECRETARY VISITS MINE SITE

DENR Secretary Angelo T. Reyes visited the mine site
yesterday, May 23, 2006, to facilitate a dialogue between
the RRFFC and the stakeholders of the Rapu-Rapu
Polymetallic Project.

The Secretary was accompanied by DENR’s Regional

Director Oscar Hamada, EMB’s Chief Gilbert Gonzales
and MGB’s Regional Director Reynulfo Juan. About 30
media personalities from Albay, Sorsogon and Manila
flocked to the site to cover the visit.

The visit was to ensure that the government considers all

the parties’ issues before arriving at a decision to allow the Sec. Reyes arrives by chopper at the Open Pit
resumption of operations of the polymetallic project.

Vice-Chairman Charles R. Avila and Member Aloysius

Baes of the Rapu-Rapu Fact Finding Commission butted
heads with the municipal and barangay officials of Rapu-
Rapu who showed their full support for the project.

The stakeholders were represented by Municipal

Councilors Mariano E. Bolaños, Jr. and Marino E.
Barranda, Jr., Barangay Captains Reynold Asuncion of
Malobago, Efren Ebuenga of Binosawan, Nono Bueno of
Linao, Jose Diamante of Sta. Barbara, Elmer Echague of
Viga, Kgd. Darwin Buen of Pagcolbon, Kgd. Shirley From left: Manny Agcaoili, Sarge Sarmiento, Angelo Reyes, Brgy.
Betito of Tinopan, barangay councilors and residents, Capt. Reynold Asuncion, Brgy. Kgd. Deodita Aguilar, Brgy. Kgd.
various barangay scholars, employees and contractors of Eden Buela Back: Arvin Laurio, Kgd. Darwin Buen, Roy Cervantes

the project.
Atty. Sarge Sarmiento, Corporate Secretary of LPI,
welcomed the parties. Among the highlights were: 1)
presentation of Compliance and Company Commitments
by Environmental Management Department Manager,
Carmelita B. Pacis; 2) presentation of the Municipality of
Rapu-Rapu Sangguniang Bayan’s endorsement for the
resumption of operations; 3) support for the project by the
various stakeholders; 4) testimonial of Niño Borbor’s
mother regarding alleged skin disease due to water’s
chemical contamination; 5) testimonial of barangay
scholar Rezel Talinges; and 6) tour of plant facilities and
mine site.
When asked about government’s decision regarding
allowing resumption of operation, the Secretary answered
that the government is still in the process of reviewing the
Commission’s report and a decision shall be forthcoming
soon.
Employees and stakeholders are hopeful that the decision
shall be in favor of the early resumption of operations.
Story by: Michelle M. Oñate

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NEWS EXCERPTS OF THE WEEK
May 21: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 22: Philippine Daily Inquirer
Saying a ban was not the answer, Malacañang stood firm on its The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has
policy allowing big foreign companies to operate mines despite still to look at the findings made by a Malacañang-created fact-
recommendations to stop Australian mining activities on Rapu- finding commission that recommended a stop to mining
Rapu island and review the country’s liberalized mining law. operations on Rapu-Rapu Island.

May 22: Manila Bulletin May 23: Manila Standard Today

The Bastes’ Commission’s report is unscientific and flawed,
relying on anti-mining theories and feelings, Lafayette Phils.
said.
For complete news stories, please visit the HRAS Office.
Albay Vice-Gov. James Calisin wants the Bastes Commission
report trashed for trying to sneak supposedly anti-mining and
pseudo-leftist militant members into critical government panels
that will decide on the application of Lafayette Phils. for an
environmental clearance certificate.
MAY 18-24, 2006 THE ISLAND NEWSWEEK VOLUME 1 NO. 1 P. 2

COMING UP…..

EVENT OF THE WEEK C.A.R.E. PROJECTS

A Prayer Assembly for Responsible Mining shall be
held at the Albay Astrodome and immediate vicinity on
May 30, 2006 from 7:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
The objectives of the assembly are:
1. To show that endorsements are mutual covenants
between LPI and its partners, not just mere pieces
of paper for purposes of propaganda.
2. To mobilize LPI, its partners and local stakeholders
in a united, concerted and sustained action for
responsible mining
3. To develop a Christ-centered partnership as
stewards of God’s gifts of natural resources
intended for all.
What: Provision of free school supplies to
approximately 2,500 public elementary
school children in Rapu-Rapu
Where: Covered schools in Barangays Poblacion,
Carogcog, Malobago, Binosawan, Linao,
Tinopan, Viga, Morocborocan, Mananao,
Guadalupe and Acal
Activities for the week:
Sorting of materials per grade level and by school to
commence on May 24.

PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES: The 12 High School scholars of the company will assist in
the sorting activities.
7:30 A.M. - Procession from various starting points
to converge at Albay Astrodome Distribution is scheduled on June 1-4, 2006
9:00 - Welcome / Introductory Remarks /
Praying of the Holy Rosary
10:00 - Singing of Phil. National Anthem UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS….
10:10 - Speeches and Testimonials
10:30 - Intermission May 24 - Rommel Borbor Geology Dept.
11:15 - Symbolic Release of Balloons & Doves May 25 - Iren Boticario Materials Mgt.
11:30 - Departure - Myla Aganan Technical Services
May 28 - Erwin Rempillo Materials Mgt.
All employees, families and friends are encouraged to May 29 - Mario Balisi Engineering
participate. Go for Responsible Mining! May 30 - Ma. Rosalie Apon Finance
- Rodel Araojo Materials Mgt
For details and transportation arrangements, please contact
the HRAS Office.
TO ALL ARTISTS:

As part of the activities lined up for the prayer rally,

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SECTION
we are recruiting participants to the numbers to be
performed during the program. We need singers,
The Spiritual Committee of the Employee Social Relations
dancers, guitarists and keyboardists. For those
Committee (ESRC) would like to invite everyone to
endowed with these talents, please share them and
participate in the “Cantada” to our Lady of Fatima at the
show them what you’ve got!
Competence Center (formerly Recreation Hall) every
night at 6:30 P.M.
First gathering shall be at the Competence Center
on May 25 at 7:30 P.M.
“Katapusan” celebration will be held on the 26th of May
2006. Procession of the statue of Our Lady of Fatima
around the camp site will begin at 5:00 P.M.

Videoke and party to follow at the Competence Center. WANNA JOIN THE EDITORIAL BOARD OF THE
See you there!!! ISLAND NEWSWEEK???

========================================= We’re in need of editors, photographers, writers,

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK:
cartoonists and layout artists. If you feel you have it,
then…
“Vigilance is the price we pay for Responsible Mining”
- Atty. Sarge Sarmiento Contact us at the HRAS Office, local 619.
Look for Michelle Oñate.