IBALANGIBOG SA BUONG MUNDO, ORAGON AN BICOLANO! KAYA TA AN RESPONSABLENG PAGMIMINA SA RAPU-RAPU!

THE ������������������������ NEWSWEEK Volume 1 No. 2 May 25 - 31, 2006

THOUSANDS GATHER FOR THE PRAYER RALLY

It was the grandest rally in the city of Legaspi. The estimated number of participants ranged from a low of 5,000 to as high as 22,000 people that gathered inside and outside the Albay Astrodome with an overflow to the adjacent Peñaranda Park. This event, a Multi-Sectoral Partnership Prayer Rally and Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Responsible Mining at Albay Astrodome, Legazpi City at 9:00 to 11:30 in the morning of Tuesday, May 30, 2006, was the first of its kind ever organized by the company.

This massive show of support for the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project came from various sectors: the barangay residents of Rapu-Rapu, Legaspi, and Sorsogon; LGUs; civic organizations; business communities; non-government organizations; church representatives; students; and employees of RRMI and RRPI. They wore white T-shirts and carried banners that proclaimed their support for responsible mining. At about 7:30am, supporters from Sorsogon arrived in Daraga aboard more than 35 passenger jeeps and proceeded to go around the city of Legazpi in a motorcade. They were soon joined by a large contingent from Daraga who were assembled in front of

Ago Medical and Educational Center. Employees of RRPI/RRPI with their families and friends gathered outside St. Agnes Academy. They joined a very large group composed of residents from the barangays East of Legaspi. Representatives coming from the Southern part of Albay gathered in Tula-Tula. Groups from different barangays of Rapu-Rapu landed in several boats at the Legaspi pier at around 9:00am.

Mons. Noe delos Santos leading the Praying of the Holy Rosary

A power point presentation of the Rapu-Rapu polymetallic project played on a huge screen while people settled down in their seats. Company program brochures were distributed at the entrance. The program started at 9:15am with an introduction by Atty. Sarge Sarmiento. All the participants and delegates were welcomed by groups. Two nationally well-known singers and TV personalities: Bimbo Cerrudo and Pinky Marquez, hosted the program. The praying of the Holy Rosary was led by Monsignor Noe de los Santos, Rector of the Mater Salutis Major Seminary in Sipi, Daraga. After praying the Credo, Bimbo and Pinky sang a powerful and solemn duet of the “Our Father”.

Bimbo Cerrudo & Pinky Marquez w/ Melvin Alonzo and Melanie Valenciano

May 25 - 31, 2006 THE ISLAND NEWSWEEK Volume 1 No. 2 P.2 Since the event was on a Tuesday, the sorrowful mystery was chosen. Before each decade, Mons. Noel delivered a short and inspiring reflection with themes on values underlying responsible mining, as follows:

• 1st Mystery: Agony in the Garden. Reflection on the value of Prayer and Discernment. Thereafter Bimbo sang “Lead Me, Lord.”

• 2nd Mystery: Scourging at the Pillars. Reflection on value of Awareness. Pinky Marquez sang “Colors of the Wind”

• 3rd Mystery: Crowning with Thorns. Reflection on the value of Humility. The song, “Salamin ng Buhay” was sang by Bimbo.

• 4th Mystery: Carrying of the Cross. Reflection on the value of Sharing Responsibilities. A duet by Bimbo and Pinky of the song, “Magkakapatid” followed.

• 5th Mystery: Crucifixion and Death of Christ. Reflection on the value of Sacrifice, Faith and Self-Giving. “Climb Every Mountain” and “We’ll Never Walk Alone” were sang by Pinky.

The National Anthem signaled the next part of the program. Atty. Sarmiento presented the Compliance Status of Commitments of RRPI and RRMI. Representatives from different sectors and organizations signed the Memorandum of Understanding for Responsible Mining.

Signing of the MOU

Each of the signatories delivered short speeches expressing their group’s commitment to responsible mining and their part in ensuring this is made possible. Symbols of their commitments were presented to VP Cecille Calleja The different sectors represented were:

1. Local Government for Good Governance represented by Brgy. Capt. Reynold Asuncion, barangay captain of Malobago;

2. Fisherfolks for Campaign against Destructive Fishing represented by Ms. Dellosa, a fisherfolk from Sorsogon;

3. Business sector for Anti-corruption campaign represented by Frank Yap, president of The Lions Club of Legazpi and past president of the Albay Chamber of Commerce, Inc.;

4. Academe for Honest Research represented by Ujane Bermundo, LPI Rapu-Rapu barangay scholar;

5. Civic Groups on Marine Protection represented by Joesan Grajeda, incoming president of the Rotary Club of Legazpi City;

6. NGOs for Monitoring for Environmental Protection represented by Francis Alizago, President of the Citizens’ Crime Watch;

7. Church for Acting as Conscience represented by Fr. Bem Sarmiento of the International Episcopal Church; and

8. Women’s Group for Caring for the People represented by Svea Angel Villanueva of Quota International Mayon Legazpi.

After signing of the MOU, the representatives released doves, a symbol of peace, while Bimbo and Pinky led the community singing of the songs, “Let There Be Peace” and “Haharapin Natin”. The final song, “The Prayer” was a petition for guidance and protection. The participants then proceeded to Peñaranda Park and released 2,000 prayer-laden balloons. ==============================================

HOW IT WAS ALL MADE POSSIBLE… The Prayer Rally held last Tuesday demonstrated the power of team work. It was the magnificent result of selfless and untiring efforts exerted by many who were true to their personal convictions and dedicated to their work and the project. Atty. Julito Sarmiento, overall coordinator with his team of organizers headed by Ms. Cecille Calleja spearheaded what must be the grandest rally that Legazpi City has ever had with over 8,000 participants from Sorsogon and Albay who showed their support for the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project. It was strongly supported by top management. Special thanks to all the employees of RRPI and RRMI especially: the Over-all coordinators: dynamic duo, Gilbert Llovit and Arnold Guadalupe and team leaders of the different departments: Grace Barcebal, Arvin Laurio, Marieta Beraquit, Rezel Echague, Michelle Oñate and Jason Magdaong; the CARE Group: Rene Castro, Cham Degarcellanosa, Roy Cervantes, Ofel Ante, Merced Azores; Legazpi Staff: Melanie Valenciano, Nancy Alipar Nancy Plopino and Nelson Sto. Domingo; the Safety Group coordinated by Melvin Alonzo and Brix Cabradilla; Transport and Logistics: Arlene Lindfield; Finance headed by Ronald Imperial; the Security Group headed by Francis Suan with Peter Molave and the Corporate office in Makati. You have done a great job and deserve a pat in the back…Congratulations…

CARE Officer Merced Azores with the Rapu-Rapu Delegation