GOVPH

MGB conducts IEC on mining rules, ‘Minahang Bayan’ sought in Brgy. Anonang

By: Lyndee Rose S. Basilio

TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN- To address the challenges faced by the small-scale miners of Brgy. Anonang and to inform them of the rules and regulations on mining, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 2 (MGB R02) in a joint activity on environment conducted an Information, Education Campaign (IEC) on Mining Rules and Regulations and capacity building for Local Government Units (LGUs) and Small-Scale Miners last October 23, 2014 at Barangay Anonang, Cordon, Isabela.

The IEC and capacity building aims to prepare the constituents of Brgy. Anonang for the establishment of the so-called “Minahang Bayan” in the area.

Section 11 of Executive Order 79, which embodies the Aquino administration’s mining policy, only allows small-scale miners’ in declared Minahanag Bayan areas. This is pursuant to Republic Act No. 7076 otherwise known as People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991.

The “Minahang Bayan” provides policies and reforms at optimizing revenues from the mining industry and improving the mining standards in mining.

Engr. Geoffrey Prado, and Engr. Antonio Chumacog of Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Forester Jackie Asuncion of CENRO- San Isidro, Isabela, Ms. Rosemarie T. Zabala and Ms. Celia Badua of ENRO- Isabela Province served as resource speakers during the said activity.

Asunsion said that the application of Brgy. Anonang for “ Minahang Bayan” is still on process. Since in order to be declared a “Minahang Bayan,” the applicants must get the consent of the mine claim holders.

The limiting of small-scale mining operations in declared “Minahang Bayan” areas will help the MGB R02 to contain the regulation of the mining operations.

This IEC was a joint activity of MGB R02 with the Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) San Isidro, Isabela and Environment and Natural Resources Office, Isabela Province.