By Leander C. Domingo | The Manila Times | June 22, 2025

BAYOMBONG — The provincial treasurer’s office of Nueva Vizcaya has received a total of P151 million from the Canadian OceanaGold Philippines (OGP), representing the company’s provincial development fund (PDF). Provincial treasurer Rhoda Moreno said this included the receipt of an additional P48.5 million recently remitted by OGP to the office of Gov. Jose Gambito. Gambito thanked the OGP for its remittances, saying these are for local development projects.

“One of these projects is our ‘Free Wi-Fi Ti Umili (people’s free Wi-Fi)’ initiative, which will be expanded to include public elementary and secondary schools,” the governor said. “This expansion aims to improve internet access, particularly in far-flung areas, and provide better learning opportunities for students throughout the province.” Gambito added that the financial assistance from OGP is part of the ongoing partnership between the mining company and the provincial government to support community development and infrastructure projects.

Desiree Baldevino, acting manager of OGP External Affairs and Social Performance, said the PDF is in line with the provisions of the company’s amended financial or technical assistance agreement (FTAA).

An FTAA is a permit issued by the national government to a multinational company sharing technology and resources to explore and extract minerals in the Philippines. OGP was issued its FTAA to operate the Didipio Mine in Kasibu town in this province.

She also explained that under the FTAA, the company is not only obligated but also committed to remit various funds, including the Social Development and Management Program, Community Development Fund (CDF) and Corporate Social Responsibility, among others.

“These funds are instrumental in supporting development initiatives in the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino,” Baldevino said.

“The PDF aims to provide long-term benefits for local communities, promoting sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for residents in Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino provinces,” she added.

Baldevino noted that the PDF allocation is determined by a calculation outlined in the FTAA “to ensure that the provincial government receives its fair share of net revenue after accounting for taxes and fees.”

“This guarantees transparency and reinforces the commitment of the Didipio Mine to contribute to the socioeconomic development of the areas affected by its operations,” she said. Meanwhile, OceanaGold has also allocated a total of P69 million in CDF for 2025, benefiting 23 barangay (villages) outside the town of Kasibu, each receiving P3 million.

Source: The Manila Times

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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