TUBLAY, Benguet - Rep. Ronald M. Cosalan here said all surface workers in the mineral industry must be included in the proposal to have a younger retirement age for all employees in the lucrative industry once Congress of the Philippines starts deliberating on bills filed for the purpose.
From the retirement age of 44 as provided for under Republic Act (RA) 8551, the comebacking lawmaker, who was one of the principal authors of the said law, wants the prescribed retirement age of all workers in the mining industry further lowered to 50 to allow them to enjoy their productive years.
He pointed out it is important for underground miners and surface workers to have a younger retirement age so they can get their benefits and continue to enjoy their remaining years by being productive aside from being contributory to the growth of the rich mineral industry.
Cosalan explained the work in the mining industry is considered to be health threatening as compared to other blue-collar jobs, thus, the need for the government to provide a younger retirement age for its workers.
The congressman said mine workers must be given a chanced to retire early so that they can venture in other productive sources of livelihood and to allow them to enjoy the remaining years in their lives with their respective families.
Cosalan asserted government must reciprocate the work provided by the miners by giving them a younger retirement age since for the past decades, they had religiously worked to revitalize the lucrative mining industry in the province.
The Cordillera, especially Benguet, is described to be one of the most mineral-rich areas in the country, thus, numerous multinational companies are proposing to exploit, develop and utilize its rich resources but the vigilance of the people on the hazards of the trade to the environment and the ancestral domain of the people is preventing the entry of the deserving companies.
