In a meaningful collaboration between government and church, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII answered the call of the Diocesan Clergy of Surigao by sharing vital information on mining laws with newly-assigned priests serving in mining communities. The forum was held on October 6, 2025 at the Pope John Paul Il Pastoral Center in Surigao City. It was attended by members of the clergy who are now ministering in areas directly impacted by mining activities. During the forum, technical personnel from MGB Regional Office No. XIII presented the salient features of Republic Act No. 7942, also known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. The discussion aimed to equip the priests with a deeper understanding of the legal framework governing mineral resource development, environmental safeguards and community engagement. This initiative reflects the Bureau’s commitment to transparency, education and partnership with key stakeholders, including faith-based institutions, who play continue reading : MGB ROXIII holds forum with Diocesan Clergy of Surigao

The Provincial Mining Regulatory Board of Agusan del Norte, led by its Chair and Mines and Geosciences Bureau Caraga Regional Director, Engr. Larry M. Heradez, formally awarded a Small-Scale Mining Contract to Lopenian Gold Ore Mining, represented by its proprietor, Bae Nenita Porogoy Umba. The awarding ceremony was held on October 7, 2025 at the MGB Regional Office No. XIll in Surigao City.  This milestone is expected to boost sustainable livelihood opportunities and empower the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples under the Manobo Ancestral Domain Management Development Council CADT-134 Inc. based in the Municipality of Santiago, Province of Agusan del Norte. By: CYRIL JEAN A. TACALMonitoring Officer

In celebration of the 19th Kaadlawan nan Probinsya nan Dinagat Islands, personnel from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII-Dinagat Satellite Office participated in a Tree Growing Activity on September 29, 2025 at the IJN Yamashiro Nature Loop of Capitol Complex in Barangay Cuarenta, Municipality of San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands. The activity was spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands, in partnership with the DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Dinagat Islands and various national line agencies. It underscores the commitment of the Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands and its partner agencies to promote environmental preservation and sustainability. By: CARL ORVEN C. ELUDOPlanning Officer II

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) and in collaboration with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), successfully conducted a Capacity Building on the Integration of Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprises (BDFEs) into the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) on September 24 to 25, 2025 at Agata Mining Ventures Inc. in Tubay, Agusan del Norte. This two-day activity gathered key stakeholders from mining companies and partner communities with the aim of strengthening capacities to promote sustainable, biodiversity-aligned livelihood opportunities within mining areas. Highlights of the program included discussions on the integration of biodiversity in SDMP, salient features of DENR Administrative Order No. 2021-13, recognition processes of BDFEs, and sharing of best practices from various mining companies. Participants actively engaged in hands-on sessions and actual assessment of the Livelihood Program of the People’s Organizations using the BDFE tools/ criteria. This practical approach fostered innovative and inclusive continue reading : DENR, BMB and MGB ROXIII conduct Capacity Building on the Integration of Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprises into Social Development and Management Program

In celebration of the 19th Kaadlawan nan Probinsya nan Dinagat Islands, personnel from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII-Dinagat Satellite Office participated in a Tree Growing Activity on September 29, 2025 at the IJN Yamashiro Nature Loop of Capitol Complex in Barangay Cuarenta, Municipality of San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands. The activity was spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands, in partnership with the DENR-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Dinagat Islands and various national line agencies. It underscores the commitment of the Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands and its partner agencies to promote environmental preservation and sustainability. By: CARL ORVEN C. ELUDOPlanning Officer II

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) and in collaboration with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), successfully conducted a Capacity Building on the Integration of Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprises (BDFEs) into the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) on September 24 to 25, 2025 at Agata Mining Ventures Inc. in Tubay, Agusan del Norte. This two-day activity gathered key stakeholders from mining companies and partner communities with the aim of strengthening capacities to promote sustainable, biodiversity-aligned livelihood opportunities within mining areas. Highlights of the program included discussions on the integration of biodiversity in SDMP, salient features of DENR Administrative Order No. 2021-13, recognition processes of BDFEs, and sharing of best practices from various mining companies. Participants actively engaged in hands-on sessions and actual assessment of the Livelihood Program of the People’s Organizations using the BDFE tools/ criteria. This practical approach fostered innovative and inclusive continue reading : DENR, BMB and MGB ROXIII conduct Capacity Building on the Integration of Biodiversity-Friendly Enterprises into Social Development and Management Program

In a meaningful collaboration between government and church, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII answered the call of the Diocesan Clergy of Surigao by sharing vital information on mining laws with newly-assigned priests serving in mining communities. The forum was held on October 6, 2025 at the Pope John Paul Il Pastoral Center in Surigao City. It was attended by members of the clergy who are now ministering in areas directly impacted by mining activities. During the forum, technical personnel from MGB Regional Office No. XIII presented the salient features of Republic Act No. 7942, also known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. The discussion aimed to equip the priests with a deeper understanding of the legal framework governing mineral resource development, environmental safeguards and community engagement. This initiative reflects the Bureau’s commitment to transparency, education and partnership with key stakeholders, including faith-based institutions, who play continue reading : MGB ROXIII holds forum with Diocesan Clergy of Surigao

The Provincial Mining Regulatory Board of Agusan del Norte, led by its Chair and Mines and Geosciences Bureau Caraga Regional Director, Engr. Larry M. Heradez, formally awarded a Small-Scale Mining Contract to Lopenian Gold Ore Mining, represented by its proprietor, Bae Nenita Porogoy Umba. The awarding ceremony was held on October 7, 2025 at the MGB Regional Office No. XIll in Surigao City.  This milestone is expected to boost sustainable livelihood opportunities and empower the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples under the Manobo Ancestral Domain Management Development Council CADT-134 Inc. based in the Municipality of Santiago, Province of Agusan del Norte. By: CYRIL JEAN A. TACALMonitoring Officer