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Juan Carlos Echeverry, Ecopetrol’s (NYSE:E) president, said in an interview that the NOC has been going through a deep cultural change prompted by the fall in oil prices. Local hiring, community relations, the ability to “sacrifice barrels” and environmental matters are some of the areas affected.

Ecopetrol is working “intensely” to prepare for the reversion of the Rubiales field from Pacific E&P, as well as the Cusiana field from Equión. Workers currently at the Rubiales field say they are confident the NOC will hire them under the new contract.

Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) has started executing an exploratory campaign using a Vibroseis truck in three different municipalities in the Caquetá department, and promised both work and investment for the local population.

While the political clamor to modernize the Barrancabermeja Refinery continues, the facilities reported a net profit of CoP$238B (US$77.7M) in the first quarter of 2016, which represents a 360% improvement over the same period in 2015.

A dispute with a corporation of community action committees (JACs) in Acacías has led to blockades, threats against workers and even fuel filled bottles being thrown at Ecopetrol’s (NYSE:EC) drilling equipment which is destined for the Chichimene field.

Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) announced a national campaign which looks to recognize projects which are leading the way in innovation and competitiveness in issues that directly affect oil producing regions. This and other stories related to Corporate Social Responsibility in our periodic summary.

Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) signed a US$300M loan with the Export Development Canada (EDC) agency, which it says meets half of its financing goal for 2016 and demonstrates the continued trust that the market has in its operation.

Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) has reorganized its board of directors, with the former Colombian ambassador to Venezuela Carlos Cure taking the role of president, replacing the former Minister of Defense Luis Fernando Ramírez.

Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) once again posted a profit in the first quarter of 2016 of CoP$363B (US$123.7M), as its transport business benefits its bottom line, coupled with cost cutting and a favorable exchange rate.

Facing mounting criticism for cost overruns and poor contracting practices, Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) president Juan Carlos Echeverry said the NOC is implementing a new strategy for how it purchases goods and services and manages its projects.