Paul Dominguez, president and CEO of Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI), yesterday said that SMI remains committed to protect the rights of local communities and indigenous people in its Tampakan Copper-Gold Project in South Cotabato.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in a statement called for the repeal of the Mining Act of 1995, stressing "mining threatens people’s health and environmental safety through the wanton dumping of waste and tailings in rivers and seas."

The Tampakan project, currently at pre-feasibility stage, is undergoing extensive technical evaluation to determine full viability. SMI assures that they adhere to stringent standards for sustainable development set forth by the World Bank, the International Council on Mining and Metals, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Dominguez added that the magnitude of the Tampakan project indicates it will be a major economic contributor not only in Mindanao but to the entire country as well.

SMI has numerous projects in environmental protection, reforestation, water system studies and other research projects which are undertaken with the participation of local communities and the academe. It also provides educational and training opportunities as well as health and social services for the local and tribal communities in the project area.

RP products in Greenhills

A trade exhibit showcasing the products of some 1,500 entrepreneurs nationwide is ongoing at the Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan.

Now on its 13th year, the Fiesta Fair Manila, showcase quality products by local manufacturers, exporters, and importers of garments, RTWs, toys and gifts, corporate giveaways, novelty items, housewares, home decors and furnishings, fine jewelry, cellphones and accessories, footwear, ornamental plants, bags and luggage, crafts, collectibles, fashion accessories, personal effects, sporting goods, and foods, among others.

Press ethics in Valencia Lectures

"Press Ethics: What to Write and Not to Write" (Guarding Against Libel)’’ will be tackled in tomorrow’s 18th Teodoro F. Valencia Lectures on Journalism and Mass Communication, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the T.F Valencia Media Study Center, T. M. Kalaw St., Rizal Park, beside the Department of Tourism building.

University professor and newspaperman, lawyer Bert Castro, will be the guest lecturer.

The series of lectures is sponsored by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Philippine Trust Company, The Manila Banking Corp., Manila Electric Co., Social Security System, Security Bank Corp., Land Bank of the Philippines, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co., and San Miguel Corp. and is under the auspices of the Teodoro F. Valencia Foundation, Inc.

The lecture series started last Jan 27 and will end on March 17. Practicing journalists, graduating students and teachers in journalism and mass communication from various Metro Manila universities, are attending the lectures.

Durano opens Travel Trade Expo

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano and Rep. Edgar Chato, chairman of the House commitee on tourism, will lead guests in the opening of the 13th Travel Tour Expo ‘06 (TTE) on Feb. 10, at the Megatrade Hall, Mandaluyong City.

With theme Travel Lifestyle: Experience the Difference!, TTE ‘06 brings forth new and expanded product offerings and provides the ideal platform for every target group in the industry.

TTE 2006 participants include travel agents and tour operators, cruise operators, travel shops, airlines, resorts, national tourist organizations, governments, embassies, and other travel-related institutions, all offering the best destinations and the best deals in travel. Featured are information and big discounts on tickets, cruises, and tour packages to a wide variety of domestic and foreign destinations.

TTE 2006 is mounted by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association, in cooperation with the Department of Tourism, with Philippine Airlines as its official carrier. It is sponsored by Air Philippines Corp., Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Galileo Asia, LLC-Philippine Branch, Globe Handy-phone, New Life Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Center, Inc., and Uniglobe Travelware Co., Inc. (The Travel Club). Media partners include Air Sea Guide Philippines, Discovery Philippines/7107 Islands Publishing, Inc., The Foreign Post, SM Storyland, and Travel Update, Philippines while BCS Systems & Technologies Inc., is the visitor registration systems provider.