The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII, in partnership with Caraga State University (CSU) and the Community Relations, Education and Development Officers Organization–Caraga, Inc. (CREDO), held a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing for the implementation of Information and Communication Technology for Responsible Mining (ICT4RM) 2.0 on July 18, 2025 at the CSU Administrative Conference Room in Ampayon, Butuan City.
The initiative aims to enhance the assessment, monitoring, and evaluation of mining resources and their contributions through the use of collective intelligence. It also includes the integration of online applications for Ore Transport Permit (OTP) and Mineral Ore Export Permit (MOEP), as well as the enhancement of the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP).
In the same way, the event highlighted the continuing collaboration among the MGB Regional Office No. XIII, Caraga State University (CSU), and Caraga minerals industry in support of the implementation of ICT4RM 2.0. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) formalized this partnership, with MGB Regional Office No. XIlI serving as the lead agency to ensure compliance of the Caraga minerals industry with their respective commitments; CSU taking charge of the system’s development, management, and technical operations; and CREDO, along with mining companies, providing the necessary financial support for the project.
MGB Caraga Regional Director Larry M. Heradez emphasized that the signing of the ICT4RM 2.0 MOA will further strengthen the collective commitment to ensuring that the Caraga minerals industry remains transparent, inclusive, and beneficial to the communities it serves.
The following mining companies have demonstrated strong support for the initiative by allocating funds from their CY 2025 Annual SDMP budgets for the implementation of ICT4RM 2.0:
1. 4D Ventures and Development, Inc.
2. Carrascal Nickel Corporation
3. Cagdianao Mining Corporation
4. Comet Mining Exploration Corporation
5. CTP Construction and Mining Corporation
6. Greenstone Resources Corporation
7. Hinatuan Mining Corporation
8. Libjo Mining Corporation
9. Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation
10. Norweah Metals and Minerals Company, Inc.
11. Oriental Synergy Mining Corporation
12. Platinum Group Metals Corporation
13. Pacific Nickel Philippines, Inc.
14. SR Metals, Inc.
15. Sinosteel Philippines H.Y. Mining Corporation
16. Silangan Mindanao Mining Co., Inc.
17. Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation
18. Taganito Mining Corporation
19. Western Nickel Corporation
ICT4RM 2.0 is a digital platform developed to improve transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in the OTP and MOEP application processes, as well as in the SDMP implementation within mining operations and their host communities. It enables real-time monitoring and reporting of community development projects funded by mining companies, allowing stakeholders-from regulatory agencies to local beneficiaries-to track progress and assess impact effectively. This collaborative effort underscores a shared commitment to sustainable development, digital innovation, and community empowerment.
