PMDC Receives Certification Precondition from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) for its Rogongon Copper-Gold Exploration Project

QUEZON CITY / ILIGAN CITY 12 August 2026 –The Philippine Mining Development Corporation (PMDC) has achieved an important milestone in advancing responsible mineral development with the issuance of a Certification Precondition (CP) by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) for the Rogongon Copper-Gold Exploration Project at Barangay Rogongon, Iligan City. The Certification Precondition (CP) was received on behalf of PMDC by President and CEO, Atty. Job Adrian M. Ambrosio and Vice President for Operations, Engr. Marites M. Reotutar during the awarding ceremony held on August 12, 2026 at the NCIP Central Office.

Issued on 3 August 2026, the Certification Precondition formally recognizes PMDC’s compliance with the procedural and documentary requirements of the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) process under NCIP Administrative Order No. 3, Series of 2012, covering 8,786.97 hectares within the Bayug Ancestral Domain (CADT No. R10-IL-011-212) of the Higaonon Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs). The Certification Precondition is valid for two years from its issuance, renewable subject to compliance with the applicable FPIC requirements.

More than a regulatory milestone, the issuance of the CP represents a partnership built on trust, respect, dialogue, and recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights. The successful FPIC process demonstrates that mineral exploration and Indigenous Peoples’ rights can move forward together when engagement is grounded in transparency, mutual respect, meaningful participation, and genuine dialogue.

The process brought PMDC together with the Higaonon ICCs/IPs, NCIP, local stakeholders, and other concerned institutions in a shared effort to ensure that the rights, interests, traditions, and aspirations of the Indigenous community are recognized and protected throughout the project.

PMDC recognizes that the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights is fundamental to building a sustainable and socially responsible mining industry. The Corporation therefore remains committed to sustaining meaningful engagement beyond the completion of the FPIC process. This includes continuing dialogue with the community, honoring commitments under the agreement, maintaining accessible communication and grievance mechanisms, and ensuring that community concerns are appropriately addressed as the project progresses.

As PMDC moves forward with the Rogongon Copper-Gold Exploration Project, the Corporation recognizes that its success will depend not only on technical and economic considerations, but equally on the strength of its relationships with communities and institutions. PMDC will continue to work closely with the NCIP, Higaonon ICCs/IPs, DENR–Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), local government unit, and other relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the project proceeds within the bounds of law, responsible governance, environmental stewardship, and respect for Indigenous Peoples’ rights.

The issuance of the CP is the beginning of a continuing partnership with the Higaonon ICCs/IPs—one that seeks to demonstrate that mineral development can proceed responsibly when the rights and voices of Indigenous Peoples are recognized, respected, and meaningfully integrated into the process. PMDC remains committed to responsible mineral development—where resources are developed for the nation, communities are respected, and Indigenous Peoples’ rights remain at the heart of every partnership.