PMSC wants mine info campaign to take place

G-HERNANDEZ – Engr. Winston Bolo, environment in-charge of the Philippine Mining Service Corp. in this limestone-rich town, pointed out the need for information and education campaign on mining apparently to correct misconceptions. Bolo, who represented PMSC resident manager Engr. Hermilandro Tocmo II said that spreading the accurate information probably through Association of United Development information Officers (AUDIO) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) coordination, can clarify to the people issues and then they could probably start appreciating mining.

He said that mining, like any other industry, is vital to development for humankind to survive. There can be no spoon or fork or necklace nor heavy equipment for roads and bridges without mining. But this doesn't mean that man would just do mining indiscriminately or disregarding the environment. As much as possible, he said, there should be mitigating measures to lessen the impact of mining to the environment for the next generation to keep. AUDIO members were apprised of the more than 30 years of operation of the company. On the same vein, Mayor Myrna Naldoza Schreurs of this town lauded the information dissemination and town cross visits of the AUDIO. She told AUDIO members, who held their monthly meeting and assessment on December 13, 2006 at Roxas Park here, that spreading information to the townsfolk especially those in rural far-flung areas is vital to development.

She considered information and education as vital as empowering the people because they have the right to be informed of the government programs. The lady mayor who is in her second term of office said that one of her thrusts is to make this 4th class town financially sound in the future, saying that she would work hard to raise more funds from local sources for her pet projects. She said it's hard that a local government unit is dependent on national government forever. It is likely in contrast to the spirit of devolution, hence, she wanted to put emphasis of providing continuing medical and social services for her constituency because this is the bottom-line of public service.

Meanwhile, the AUDIO has given out certificate of appreciation to seven municipal mayors and their seven information officers for hosting out-of-town meetings and other assistance. They are mayors Roberto Salinas, Catigbian; Theresa PM Camacho, Getafe ; Simplicio Maestrado, Sierra-Bullones; Apolinaria Balistoy, Cortes; Eutiquio Bernales, Ubay; Manuel Tan, Duero ; and Schreurs and their information officers: Ardissa Estavilla, Joe Torrenueva, Pepe Abrigos, Roberto Tabanera, Virgie Dupa, Cerena Cadenas.

AUDIO also gave out plaque of thanks to the National Irrigation Administration through manager Engr. Membreve and the Philippine Mining Service Corp through its manager Engr. Hermie Tocmo II and PMSC environment in-charge Engr. Winston Bolo and to the DPWH District II through Engr. Ramie Doroy for support for the association. The Philippine Information Agency through its director Yvette Bede Matabalan and Totsi Escobia and its staff was also recognized for being AUDIO's active partner.

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