Tuguegarao City, Cagayan- Dubbed as “Know Mine, Know Life: A Forum on Responsible Mining,” the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. II spearheaded a stakeholders’ forum last March 23- 24, 2022 at Zen Hotel, Santiago City.

The forum highlighted discussions on recent policies of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and MGB as well as best practices and developments in exploration and mining. 

Among the topics discussed were DENR Administrative Order 2021-40 or the Policy Matters on Lifting Ban on Open Pit Mining lectured by MGB Central Office Science Research Specialist, Engr. Richard P. Alamo.

The OIC- Chief of the Mining Technology Division of MGB CO Engr. Theodore Rommel E. Pestaño also discussed the DAO 2020-08 or the Revised Guidelines in Offshore Mining while the MGB CO Chief of Marine Mineral Resources Section Rogel A. Santos, PhD lectured on Marine Mineral Extraction Monitoring.

The Memorandum Order 2022-001 or the Guidelines in Determining the Taxable Percentage of Gold and Iron Content as Associated Minerals in Dredged Materials was also tackled during the forum by Engr. Bernardo Bitanga, Chief, Mineral Processing Research and Development Section of MGB Central Office.

Engr. Reshne Jay Gonzaga also lectured on Department Administrative Order 2021-37, or Harmonizing the Mining Operations of an Operator under a Mining Tenement or the “One Contractor, One Operator Policy.”

Meanwhile, For. Teodorico L. Marquez, Jr., MGB CO Chief, Mine Rehabilitation Section likewise discussed the Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning of Open Pit Mines in the Philippines.

Ms. Ana B. Cabatbat, Chief, Planning Information System and Management Unit of Environmental Management Bureau Region II also discussed recent EMB policies that govern mining operations particularly on Presidential Decree 1586 or the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System of 1978.On the other hand, Atty. Ronaldo Daquioag, Regional Director of National Commission of Indigenous Peoples Region II discussed the Free and Prior and Informed Consent under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act. Engr. Remedios C. Pauig, OIC Chief, Licenses, Patents, and Deeds Division of DENR Region II also tackled DENR policies that govern mining operations with emphasis on PD 705 on Tree- Cutting, Special Land Use Permits, and Processing of Water Permit Application.

On the part of the mining industry, the President of the Philippine Exploration Association, Mr. Joey Nelson Ayson also showcased their best practices in the exploration stage of mining.

Mr. Jose Bayani D. Baylon, Vice President for Corporate Communication of Nickel Asia Corporation also showcased their best mining practices in Rio Tuba Mining Corporation, a subsidiary of Nickel Asia. Rio Tuba was one of the recipients of the 2020 Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Awards (PMIEA).

Moreover, Engr. Sylvi Guico, Senior Environment Monitoring Officer of FCF Minerals Corporation and Atty. Joan Adaci- Cattiling, President of OceanaGold Philippines Inc. also shared their company’s best mining practices.

ASec. Nonita S. Caguioa, DENR Assistant Secretary for Finance, Information Systems and Mining Concerns delivered the message of DENR Secretary Jim O. Sampulna.

“The Mining Industry is one of the most regulated industry in the country. Various stringent regulations are already in placed in terms of tenement management, safety and health, environmental, and social development management, among others,” Sec. Sampulna said in his message.

Also mentioned in his message is, “mining related policies keep on evolving as we are in the continuous process of improving and updating these policies to ensure the pressing issues that beset the mining industry are promptly and properly addressed.”

In her closing remarks, ASec Caguioa thanked the participants for their presence during the forum and congratulated MGB Region II headed by RD Mario A. Ancheta for organizing the stakeholders’ forum.

She further said that the mining industry has been recognized by the government as one of the main contributors toward the country’s road to economic recovery.

“Yet, we need to make sure that the quality of life and our environment will not be compromised. MGB has been actively involved in the review of the laws, rules and regulations, and policies that promote responsible mining,” ASec. Caguioa said.

“I hope we all have a clearer view of what the government wants for the mining industry. I know that mining will not only be a contributor for the economic recovery but as a driver to sustainable development of our country.”

The stakeholders’ forum aimed to promote responsible mining as well as to increase awareness of the public on the salient features of the recent policies issued by DENR and MGB.

The program was also graced by MGB Director Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncado and DENR Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn C. Bambalan who delivered inspirational messages. City Mayor of Santiago Hon. Joseph S. Tan represented by Assistant City Administrator Shiela P. Gumpal, and other DENR/MGB/EMB Executives were also present during the forum.

It brought together almost 500 partners and stakeholders from national and local government bodies, academe, media, civic society, national government organizations and representatives from the mining industry.