Concerns continue to grow in Nueva Vizcaya over Woggle Corporation’s mining exploration project. Residents, environmental groups, and some religious organizations have questioned the approval process, particularly whether affected communities were properly informed and consulted before permits were issued.
The protest held at the provincial capitol on October 20, 2025, highlighted ongoing opposition from some local residents. Although recent court orders allowed exploration activities to proceed, critics of the project continue to raise concerns about transparency, landowner consent, and environmental impact.
Below is a timeline of major developments related to the project so far.
| Date | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| July 4, 2022 | Woggle Corporation applied for a mining permit from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB). | The project covers more than 3,000 hectares in Dupax del Norte, including areas in Oyao (128.75 ha), Bitnong (1,705.51 ha), Parai (14.27 ha), Munggia (562.75 ha), and Inaban (689.78 ha). |
| December 4, 2023 | Governor Atty. Jing Gambito signed a notice related to the application. | This formally involved the provincial government in the mining exploration process. |
| December 11, 2023 | Former Mayor Atty. Timothy Joseph Cayton signed a certification for exploration. | The certification allowed the application process to continue at the local government level. |
| August 4, 2024 | MGB and Woggle Corporation signed the Exploration Permit. | The permit officially authorized the company to begin exploration activities. |
| August 7, 2024 | The exploration permit officially took effect. | The permit is valid for two years and may be extended up to a total of six years. |
| December 1, 2024 | Woggle requested entry into several barangays. | The former mayor approved inspections in Macabenga, Bitnong, Oyao, and Munggia. |
| October 17, 2025 | The court issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). | The ruling prevented protesters from blocking roads and allowed exploration activities to proceed. |
| October 20, 2025 | A protest rally was held at the provincial capitol. | Community members and local groups raised concerns about landowner consent and public consultation related to the permits. |
The situation in Nueva Vizcaya reflects the ongoing tension between mining development and community concerns. While Woggle Corporation has secured the necessary permits for exploration, some residents and groups continue to question how the approvals were handled and whether affected communities were adequately consulted.
Although the October 17, 2025 court order allowed exploration activities to move forward, public opposition to the project remains active. As exploration continues, discussions surrounding environmental protection, land rights, and local consultation are likely to remain central issues.
- Arbenio, M. A. (2025, October 20). Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1A9J5UMZhe/ (the speaker in the video is Mr. Randolph Tominez).
- Peewee Bacuño. (2025, October 7). No to mining in Nueva Vizcaya [Photograph]. Retrieved from https://x.com/PeeweeBacuno/status/1975480629300240410?t=q8T6D7vBr-UKZnJM2GqoqQ&s=19
