BIG challenges await new BFSSMI leaders

May 28, 2022 Provincial

BAGUIO CITY – Lifting the stoppage order on small-scale mining, application and processing of Minahang Bayan (MB) and processing of small-scale mining contracts (SSMCs), and protection of the environment towards responsible mining are among the challenges that will face the newly elected officers of Benguet Federation of Small-Scale Miners, Inc (BFSSMI), represented by 40 plus SSM associations, numbering to more than 14k pocket miners. Working for the unity for the general welfare of the provincial pocket is also a tall order for the federation officers.
In an exclusive interview, BFSSMI president Norberto Cobaldez said he is “challenged to hurdle the bar – more so to fight for the plight of small-scale miners.”
“Marami tayong problema that we need to solve one-by-one,” said Cobaldez, adding that a planning session will be conducted to address pressing issues confronting the federation.
“Our number one problem is the stoppage order (small scale mining operations),” said Cobaldez, a retired public servant (DOST-CAR).
“Ma lift kuman ti stoppage order tapnu maituloy dagiti activities ti (minero) tapnu adda pagbiagan dagitI small-scale miners tayo,” Cobaldez stressed.
The new BFSSMI president also expressed optimism on the earlier report of Amianan Balita Ngayon which Benguet Representative Eric Yap vowed to work for the lifting of the stoppage order against small-mining operations in the province during the latter’s proclamation together with reelected Governor Melchor Diclas and party mates of the United Benguet Party on the recent polls.
“We are very happy …we look forward to the work of the gentleman-our congressman (Yap),” Cobaldez said, reacting to the promise of Rep. Yap. Cobaldez succeeded Engr. Lomino Kaniteng recently passed away due to a lingering illness. For years, Kaniteng served with utmost dedication and commitment.
Kaniteng. member of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB), representing small-scale miners, was instrumental in the granting of minahang bayan in the province.
In a separate exclusive interview, Leoncio Na-oy, elected BFSSM secretary-general, urged his fellow pocket miners to unite for the common good of small-scale miners.
“We have to unite.. let’s be open,” Na-oy said pointing to the problems besetting small-scale mining. Na-oy revealed that based on “experiences”, the morale of small-scale miners in the province is very low compared to past years. He also said small-scale mining has been “politicized.”
Thus, Na-oy asked his co-officers of the federation “to listen to the ground.” He also appealed to the members-officers to commit their time and efforts, and find proper ways to sustain the federation.
BFSSM new set of officers: Norberto Cobaldes (president); Alfred Bugnosen (executive vice president); Ermundo Milo (vice president-District 1); Eric Aquintey (vice-president District 2); Leoncio Na-oy (secretary-general); Angelita Sugalan (treasurer); Desiree Luis (auditor); Ricardo Liwayan ( business manager); and Milo Lopes (press relation officer).
Moreover, BFSSMI Board of Trustees: Norberto Cobaldez; Leoncio Na-oy; Ricardo Liwayan; Ermundo Milo; Angelita Sugalan; Desiree Luis; Gina Abanga; Lopes Milo; Eric Aquintey; David Tomilas; Warlito Jacinto; Cesar Carbonel; Pablo Tudiong; Alfredo Pacyado;and Alfred Bugnosen.
Primo Agatep/ABN