Kiblawan, Davao del Sur – The Tampakan Copper-Gold Project has achieved yet another milestone.
Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) in Bongmal, Kimlawis, Tacub, Abnate, and Bulolsalo, in the municipality of Kiblawan, Davao del Sur, have recently forged partnership to carry out their commitments and obligations, as well as the economic, social, environmental, and cultural benefits of the Project.
During the signing of the Joint Monitoring and Dispute Resolution Operational Guidelines held last July 22, 2025 at the Hotel de Crisbelle, in Digos City, the parties vowed to adhere on the well-established mechanism in addressing any possible concerns that may arise during the actual operations of the Project.
In his message, CADT 102 Indigenous Political Structures (IPS) Head, Fulong Neraldo “Dot” Cafeon, urged fellow tribal leaders and the communities, to respect the mechanism, as this is in compliance with the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) Memorandum of Agreements entered by and between SMI, NCIP, and the ICCs within the Project area.
“I am very happy, tungod maayo ang padulungan og para sa tanan sa mga tao sa Bong Mal, sa Kiblawan, sa Kimlawis. Ako, tungod naka-pirma ko, ang IPS, mga sitio leader, buhaton namo ang tanan kutob sa among makaya para madayon ang operasyon sa Sagittarius Mines, Inc.,” Fulong Cafeon announced.
Also among the signatories of the Guidelines were Provincial Indigenous Peoples’ Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Fulong Joseph Saman, Sr., Kiblawan Municipal Indigenous Peoples’ Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Fulong Rufino Dianga, and representatives from SMI.
In his part, NCIP Provincial Officer Indalesio L. Diano lauded the “milestone” initiative, saying it was a testament of the strong partnership between the Company, the government, and the host communities.
“I consider this as a milestone of IP community. This is history. Ito ay isang patotoo na ang IP community ar saka NCIP at SMI, may partnership. Maraming salamat din sa SMI,” Mr. Diano said.
The signing ceremony was followed by the oath of office of the members of the Joint Monitoring and Dispute Resolution Team (JMDRT), administered by NCIP Regional Hearing Officer, Atty. Ariel Montana.
This historic initiative underscored an exemplary example of how government agencies, private stakeholders, and IP communities can work hand in hand toward sustainable progress and social justice. (30)
