KASIBU, Nueva Vizcaya—The P41.1-million road construction project for Didipio village in this mineral-rich upland town will start on Monday, according to OceanaGold Philippines, Inc. officials.
David Way, OGPI general manager, said the 4.6-kilometer Dinaoyan Bypass Road project is funded by the company in partnership with the barangay government of Didipio.
It is expected to ease access to and from the far-flung communities here, making it easier to transport and save farm products from spoilage due to long hours of travel to the nearest trading centers in the province and in Quirino province.
“This project is significant especially for Didipio community as this will enable better access for farmers to the market for their produce, better family connections, and business connections as the travel time will be shorter. It enables families from nearby communities and other places to visit each other more often,” Way said.
The Australian mining firm’s assets encompass the Didipio Gold-Copper Mine in this town of Kasibu, which started commercial operations in 2013.
Way said OGC has operated sustainably over the past 27 years, with a proven track record for environmental management and community and social engagement.
“We have a strong social license to operate and work collaboratively with our valued stakeholders to identify and invest in social programs that are designed to build capacity and not dependency,” he added.