Date: May 20, 2026
QUEZON CITY– The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Commission En Banc has approved on May 20, 2026, the Certification Precondition (CP) application of the Philippine Mining Development Corporation (PMDC) for the Rogongon Copper Gold Exploration Project in Barangay Rogongon, Iligan City.
The approval marks a major milestone for the government-led mining exploration project after the completion of the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) process and consultations with the affected Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs).
The approved CP covers approximately 8,786.97 hectares within the Bayug Ancestral Domian or CADT 212. The approval demonstrates the PMDC’s commitment to responsible mining, environmental protection, and respect for Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
The project’s exploration activities will focus on scientific and environmentally responsible exploration methods, including geological studies, stream sediment sampling, soil sampling, trenching, scout drilling, environmental baseline studies, and topographic surveys. The approved CP covers the exploration activities only and does not include commercial mineral extraction.
The environmental protection measures form an integral part of the project. The Environmental Work Program includes reforestation, nursery establishment, water quality monitoring, hazardous waste management, protection of special habitats, road maintenance, and solid waste management initiatives.
In support of Indigenous communities, PMDC also committed substantial socioeconomic and community development programs under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the ICCs/IPs. These include scholarship programs, livelihood assistance, employment opportunities, TESDA training, agricultural support, medical missions, infrastructure assistance, and honoraria for tribal leaders and councils. The estimated benefits package for Indigenous communities during the two-year exploration period amounts to approximately Php 3.6 million.
The project traces its formal development timeline to November 8, 2021, when PMDC and its Joint Venture Partner, Rogongon Resources, Inc., entered into a Project Financing/Service Provider Agreement (PFSPA), which was subsequently registered with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) on February 21, 2022. PMDC’s CP application was formally received by NCIP Region X on September 2, 2022.
PMDC underscored that the approval of the Certification Precondition does not exempt the project from future regulatory requirements and environmental safeguards. The corporation stated that all succeeding phases of the project will remain subject to government approvals, environmental regulations, and continued compliance with NCIP processes and Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
As the government’s mining arm attached to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), PMDC reiterated its mandate to promote progressive, inclusive, resilient, and environmentally responsible mineral development aligned with national development goals and community empowerment.
The approval of the Certification Precondition is expected to pave the way for the implementation of the project’s two-year exploration work program while strengthening collaboration among PMDC, Indigenous Communities, local government unit, and national regulatory agencies in advancing sustainable and socially responsible resource development in Northern Mindanao.