DENR Secretary leads unveiling ceremony of SMMCI Copper and Gold Project

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga led the unveiling ceremony of the Copper and Gold Project of Silangan Mindanao Mining Company, Inc. (SMMCI) on May 28, 2025 in Barangay Timamana, Municipality of Tubod, Province of Surigao del Norte. Key officials including DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations-Mindanao Joselin Marcus E. Fragada, SMMCI President and Chief Executive Officer Eualio B. Austin, Jr., Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers, and Congressman Robert Ace S. Barbers took part in the said ceremony. In her keynote message, Secretary Loyzaga highlighted the project’s importance not only to local economic growth but also to the national agenda of promoting responsible and sustainable mineral development. Secretary Loyzaga emphasized that the country’s true competitive advantage lies not merely in mineral extraction, but in the way resources are mined. She stressed that the nation’s mineral wealth should be measured not only by continue reading : DENR Secretary leads unveiling ceremony of SMMCI Copper and Gold Project

MGB ROXIII carries out geologic mapping of Kaburacanan Quadrangle

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII carried out the geologic mapping of the Kaburacanan Quadrangle from April 8 to May 9, 2025 in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. This undertaking was spearheaded by Senior Geologist Beda Louie Cagampang, with the support of Geologists Gaius Jabez Galope and Alphonse Rey Macion from the General and Economic Geology Section of the Geosciences Division. The primary objective of the mapping activity was to identify and document various lithologic units and geologic structures, as well as to analyze their interrelationships. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the geologic history and characteristics of the area. The fieldwork was conducted in several barangays along the western boundary of Malaybalay City, including Busdi, St. Peter, Zamboangita, Caburacanan, and surrounding areas. This initiative is part of the National Geologic Quadrangle Mapping Program, a continuing effort under the MGB’s mandate. The program aims to support the continue reading : MGB ROXIII carries out geologic mapping of Kaburacanan Quadrangle

MGB ROXIII participates in Mindanao Cluster Orientation on DENR Administrative Order No. 2025-10

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII participated in the Mindanao Cluster Orientation on DENR Administrative Order No. 2025-10: Guidelines on the Integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the Formulation and Implementation of the Social Development and Management Program on May 15 to 16, 2025 at the Philippine Gateway Hotel in Surigao City. Led by the MGB Central Office, the activity brought together Community Relations Officers from mining companies and mineral processing plants across Mindanao. The orientation aimed to align the implementation of Social Development and Management Program with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals promoting inclusive, resilient and sustainable growth in mining communities. By: ESTEPHANIE A. ODCHIMARMonitoring Officer

MGB holds MGB-MGBEA Continuing Employees’ Welfare Program and Benefits Forum Series 8

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Employees Association held the MGB-MGBEA Continuing Employees’ Welfare Program and Benefits Forum Series 8 on May 6 to 8, 2025 at Brittany Hotel Global South in Las Piñas City. The theme of this three-day forum is “United for Sustainable Public Service: Strengthening the MGB-MGBEA Partnership”.  It aims to uphold the commitment of MGB-MGBEA to promote fair labor-management relations and enhance the capabilities of the employees and the management representatives pursuant to the 2023-2026 MGBEA-MGB Collective Negotiation Agreement, Articles VII (Employees’ Economic Benefits and Incentive Package), VIII (Employees’ Welfare and Professional Development) and IX (Work Environment, Safety and Health). By: MARIE PENNELOPE E. FANGAdministrative Officer IV

MGB ROXIII, CSU conduct Refresher Training Workshop on ICT4RM 2.0 for Online SDMP

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII, in collaboration with the Caraga State University, conducted the Refresher Training Workshop on ICT4RM 2.0 for Online Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) on May 6, 2025 at Gateway Hotel in Surigao City. Attended by representatives from Caraga mining companies, the workshop on the ICT4RM 2.0 Web Application marks a significant step forward in enhancing digital support for the Responsible Mining Portal. This newly upgraded system introduces advanced features and user-friendly interfaces that strengthen the implementation of the SDMP and Environmental Monitoring efforts. ICT4RM 2.0 is a digital platform that helps the Bureau, mining companies, and communities share information, work together, and make better decisions using predictive analytics and shared knowledge. It also includes a mobile application that makes it easier for people in the field to report and access data. This approach helps make data collection, program delivery, and rule-following continue reading : MGB ROXIII, CSU conduct Refresher Training Workshop on ICT4RM 2.0 for Online SDMP

MGB ROXIII welcomes PSHS-CRC Senior High School students for educational visit

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII welcomed the Senior High School students of Philippine Science High School-Caraga Region Campus for an educational visit as part of their Biology class enrichment program on May 2, 2025 at the MGB Regional Office No. XIII Training Center in Surigao City. The visit gave students a chance to learn more about the minerals industry, especially in areas like safety and health, environmental management, and social development programs. Some technical personnel explained how responsible mining works, what is being done to protect the environment and support communities, and how the Bureau oversees mining companies and processing plants to make sure they follow sustainable practices. This activity is part of the Bureau’s efforts to show the importance of developing mineral resources in a way that protects the environment and benefits society. It also aimed to clear up misconceptions about mining and prove that continue reading : MGB ROXIII welcomes PSHS-CRC Senior High School students for educational visit

MGB ROXIII takes part in Regional News Conference on the 2024 Report on the Economic Performance of Caraga Region

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII took part in the Regional News Conference on the 2024 Report on the Economic Performance of Caraga Region on April 22, 2025 at Go Hotels in Robinsons Place, Butuan City. The conference was organized by the Philippine Statistics Authority Caraga Regional Office, with OIC-Regional Director Guillermo M. Lipio, Jr. presenting the key highlights of the region’s economic performance. His presentation focused on the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) and Gross Regional Domestic Expenditure (GRDE) accounts ― key indicators that reflect the overall value of goods and services produced within the region during the reference period. Caraga’s economy grew by 6.9 percent in 2024, reaching a total value of PhP362.8 Billion. This notable performance ranked the region as the second fastest-growing economy among the country’s 18 regions. Among the major contributors to Caraga’s economic growth was the mining and quarrying industry, which continue reading : MGB ROXIII takes part in Regional News Conference on the 2024 Report on the Economic Performance of Caraga Region

MGB ROXIII attends Training-Workshop on Strengthening Mining Law Enforcement in Mindanao

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII attended a Training-Workshop on Strengthening Mining Law Enforcement in Mindanao on March 26-28, 2025 at Amarah Hotel in Butuan City. This three-day activity included a series of presentations and workshops designed to enhance the capacity of MGB personnel. The focus is on strengthening collaboration and developing strategies to improve mining law enforcement and policy implementation across the regions. Regional Directors, Mine Management Division Chiefs, Legal Officers, and select technical personnel from MGB Regional Offices IX, X, XI, XII, and XIII participated in the activity. By: MARIE PENNELOPE E. FANGAdministrative Officer IV

MGB ROXIII takes part in Ceremonial Signing of Memorandum of Agreement for 2025 Government Internship Program

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII took part in the Ceremonial Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement for the 2025 Government Internship Program (GIP) on March 17, 2025 at the Watergate Hotel in Butuan City. The event was conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment Caraga Regional Office.  During the program, DOLE Caraga Assistant Regional Director Raymond Fel F. Sajor delivered the Welcome Remarks.  A Message of Support was also given by Department of Trade and Industry Caraga Regional Director Gay A. Tidalgo. An update highlighting the growing number of GIP partners was presented to the stakeholders. It was followed by the GIP Orientation for 2025 Implementation. The event underscored the commitment of DOLE, local government agencies and stakeholders to the continued success of the GIP and its aim to provide meaningful opportunities for young individuals in the region. By: MARIE PENNELOPE E. FANGAdministrative Officer IV

MGB ROXIII conducts Training on Standard First Aid, Basic Life Support and Proper Use of Automated External Defibrillators

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII, in collaboration with Caraga Regional Hospital (CRH), successfully conducted the Training on Standard First Aid, Basic Life Support and the Proper Use of Automated External Defibrillators on March 3-7, 2025 at Café Virginia in Surigao City. The training aimed to equip participants with essential life-saving skills and emergency response techniques. A select number of employees participated in the training.  Led by Dr. Glenn Afred Norris D. Baban, MD, EMT-B, and a team of highly skilled medical professionals, the program provided both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience to enhance workplace safety and community preparedness. On Day 1, the overview of the course and house rules were given and expectation setting was carried out. To gauge the participants’ initial understanding, a pre-test on Basic Life Support was conducted before the first set of lectures was given. The discussions covered key topics such as continue reading : MGB ROXIII conducts Training on Standard First Aid, Basic Life Support and Proper Use of Automated External Defibrillators