On September 12th, Great Wall Mining and Power Corporation held an offical opening ceremony for the Phase I Road in San Miguel, Philippines, and also celebrated the transfer of Guard House for this road.

The opening ceremony is a local grand event. On this special day, more than three hundred people, including Perez, the Mayor of San Miguel Municipality, Garmel, the Head of Barangay Magroyong and local aldermen as well as representatives of villagers and indigenous people have attended the ceremony. Datu, the chieftain of indigenous peoples, hosted the blessing ceremony at the beginning according to local custom and sacrificed live pigs to the Gods.

The Phase I Road constructed by Great Wall is about 5 km in total. It is a link between original Magroyong-Inadan roads, at the same time it will become a main access to future coal mining sites, also beneficial for convenience of local traffic.

Perez, the Mayor of San Miguel Municipality said: “The local people’s daily life and overall economy have been largely improved since the startup operation in this mining area by Great Wall;” “we will assist Great Wall to promote the mass production plan and try to more job opportunities for local citizens,” he added.

There has a population of forty thousand or so in San Miguel Municipality and agriculture is their principal income source. It is expected that Great Wall will employ hundreds of local workers after its formal production.

Garmel, the Head of Barangay Magroyong said at the ceremony: “In the past, walking was the only way for journey between Magroyong and Inadan and, for hundreds of indigenous people in Inadan, it brought so much inconvenience to their daily life. But now, the road is repaved by Great Wall, various motor vehicles can pass freely and only 10 minutes or less is required for traffic, greatly decreased from former one hour, which is also easy for going to school or working outside. ”

In addition, for frequent large-scale of logging in the mountain area, and to avoid the road being destroyed by heavy vehicles with lumbers, the Head of the village has specially set a Guard House at the entrance of the road as the control gate for weight limit of passing vehicles. This House is donated and constructed by Great Wall, and has been formally handed over to the Head of Barangay Magroyong at the ceremony.

Fred CHEN, the Vice General Manager of Great Wall addressed at the ceremony: “The official opening of Phase I Road marks the commencement of more supporting programs. We will immediately start the road construction for Phase II from Inadan to the primary mining area, which is 7 km in total and after the completion of road construction, mass production and transportation will begin. Great Wall plans to achieve the coal production target of 50,000 tons by the end of this year.”

Updated：2009-09-13