The DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau conducted the Stakeholders’ Forum: Understanding Recent Policy Issuances Relating to Mining via Zoom Platform and Facebook Live on June 8 to 9, 2021.

Aimed at intensifying the awareness of various minerals industry stakeholders on recent mining policies issued by the DENR-MGB, the forum featured the following messages and presentations:

June 8 Session

Opening Remarks
Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano
MGB Director

Welcome Address
Engr. Nonita S. Caguioa
DENR Assistant Secretary for Finance, Information System and Mining Concerns

Policy Issuances on Mining Tenements
Engr. Danilo D. Deleña
OIC-Chief, Mining Tenements Management Division

MGB Memorandum Circular No. 2020-004:  Clarificatory Guidelines for the Establishment of the Contingent Liability and Rehabilitation Fund for Dredging Projects/Activities pursuant to the DPWH-DENR-DILG-DOTR Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 Series of 2019
Engr. Marcial H. Mateo
OIC-Chief, Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division

June 9 Session

MGB Memorandum Order No. 2020-007: Policy on Online Filing of Application and Payment
Engr. Juancho Pablo S. Calvez
Chief, Metallurgical Technology Division

Ms. Gloria D. Mendoza
OIC-Chief, Financial Management Division

MGB Memorandum Circular No. 2019-002: Supplemental Guidelines to Memorandum Circular No. 2018-01
Atty. Josephine V. Sescon                                                                                          Attorney IV

MGB Memorandum Circular No. 2019-006: Clarificatory Guidelines on the Rules on Appeal
Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng                                                                                          Chief, Legal Services Division

MGB Memorandum Circular No. 2019-007: Clarificatory Guidelines on Section 5.1.2.C of DPWH-DENR-DILG-DOTR Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2019-01
Engr. Joel A. Natividad
Chief, Small-Scale Mining Development Section
Mining Technology Division

Closing Remarks
Engr. Roland A. De Jesus
Assistant Director

Establishing current policies and developing standards helped us to have a greater functioning minerals sector.  It helped us to attain more responsible and sustainable mining practices in the country. We know that initiating clearer objectives, creating rules and regulations, fighting corruption and certifying a transparent and accountable process are the primary facets necessary to a strong governance,” Dir. Moncano stated in his Opening Remarks. He reminded everyone that it is not only the mining industry that thrives from the imposition of the policies and standards but the whole nation in general. “Looking back last 2020 and even the years before, the mining and quarrying sector strived to create positive impacts on the Philippine economy.  And I trust that it will continue to do so this year and on to the future.  Once again, I am urging you to participate not only during the forum but also in reaching sustainable development in the mining industry,” Dir. Moncano added.

Meanwhile, Asec. Caguioa delivered the Welcome Address in the spirit of affirmation and optimism. “We in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, together with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, are working hand in hand in reviewing our existing policies and ensuring their relevance to our present situation especially with the ongoing global crisis.  We are tasked by the administration to aid in the economic recovery of our country. All these efforts are geared towards addressing the current trends and issues.  Each year we hold a forum for our stakeholders to orient each and every one on the new developments within the extractive minerals industries, to report on what has transpired in the past year and to envision where it is heading,” Asec. Caguioa said.  

Asec. Caguioa acknowledged the fact that the minerals industry keeps moving forward and attaining good standing in the global market due to the demands of worldwide development despite the pandemic. She commended the exerted efforts behind the accomplishments of the industry amidst the obstacles.  Morever, she especially expressed her gratitude to mining firms for the initiatives and additional support that they have extended to their employees and host communities during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.  “Through your consistent cooperation and compliance with the laws, rules and regulations and even beyond, we will be able to create significant impacts on our host and neighboring communities and especially our nation. As what this forum’s theme imposes for the further development of the minerals industry, it is vital to continue exploring avenues to improve on the policies of our industry.  Let us continue to strive for the betterment of our policies when it comes to mineral resources development as well as environmental protection. We also encourage everyone to support the latest policies so that the intentions of these policies will be achieved,” Asec. Caguioa imparted.

Assistant Director De Jesus formally closed the virtual forum with some parting remarks.  On behalf of the DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau, he expressed appreciation for the active participation and support of all the stakeholders.  He also thanked the MGB Central Office Division Chiefs who presented the policy issuances, shared their expertise and addressed the issues and concerns raised by the stakeholders.  “Rest assured that we will take into account all the points raised during the activity.  Hopefully, this will lead to forging deeper understanding and stronger partnerships for the minerals industry.  I hope you will heed the call for action to dutifully follow and comply with these issuances and policies,” he concluded on a positive note. Approximately 300 stakeholders attended the forum via Zoom Platform while another 300 stakeholders viewed the livestream of the forum via Facebook Live.

By: Marie Pennelope E. Fang
Administrative Officer IV
Office of the Regional Director