A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THE CREATION OF AND THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE BERONG ARAMAYWAN TAGBANUA ASSOCIATION (BATA), INC.

WHEREAS, on December 6, 2007, the PCSD, DENR-Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau and Mining Development Council (MDC) jointly sponsored a Forum on the Stakes on Mining in Palawan, the objectives of which were to: (1) survey sectoral perceptions on mining in Palawan; (2) provide an open venue for expressing varying points of view on mining and for weighing in the pros and cons of mining; (3) highlight the existing and foreseeable issues and conflicts that need resolution; and (4) identify common grounds where stakeholders can work on in furthering sustainable development with respect to mining;

WHEREAS, one of the issues identified during the presentations pertains to the release of money to the IPs, specifically the lack of management of the 1% royalty from Berong Nickel Corporation (BNC);

WHEREAS, immediately after the aforementioned mining forum, a multi-sectoral body, consisting of representatives from the Provincial Government of Palawan (PGP), PCSD, DENR, NCIP, BNC, Local Government of Quezon and BATA, Inc, among others, held a round table discussion in response to the aforementioned royalty issues and the Honorable Governor’s instruction to BNC to release the subject royalty and that it will be used in funding development projects in the area;

WHEREAS, the said group was formally organized into an Advisory Board consisting of the following: Chairman: NCIP Commissioner or his representative Co-Chairman: Provincial Governor of Palawan or his representative Members: Representative from the Office of Congressman Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra, 2nd District of Palawan PCSDS Executive Director or his representative DENR-CENRO of Quezon LGU of Quezon, represented by the Municipal Mayor, the Barangay Chairmen of Barangays Berong and Aramaywan NGO represented by NATRIPAL Religious Sector BNC representative

WHEREAS, the Board shall perform an advisory and recommendatory functions, specifically the following: (a) Assist the BATA in the preparation of the various Plans and ensure that the same are aligned with the barangay, municipal and provincial plans; (b) Review / evaluate projects to be funded by the royalty fee, and (c) Ensure the company’s compliance to its obligations under the MPSA, IPRA and the mining laws.

WHEREAS, the creation of the Advisory Board will facilitate the coordination between and among the concerned agencies and the IPs and will ensure that the benefits from the MPSA accrue to the target beneficiaries as provided for under the existing laws;

WHEREAS, the Advisory Board since its creation in December 2007 has facilitated through Board resolutions the release of the royalty fee for 2007 to the account of BATA, Inc. in its bank account in Quezon, Palawan;

WHEREFORE, foregoing premises considered, be it resolved as it is hereby resolved, to confirm as it is hereby confirmed, the creation of and the actions taken by the Advisory Board for the Berong Aramaywan Tabanua Association, Inc.

RESOLVED FINALLY, that copy of this resolution be furnished the Provincial Government of Palawan, NCIP, BNC, BATA, Inc. for their information.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this 29th day of February 2008 at Puerto Princesa City.

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I hereby certify that the above-quoted Resolution has been duly adopted and approved by the PCSD on the 29th day of February 2008 at Puerto Princesa City.

ROMEO B. DORADO Secretary

APPROVED: JOEL T. REYES Chairman