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

2025 DENR-EMB-MGB Caraga Integrated IEC Action Plan: Transforming communication strategies for greater impact

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII attended the Orientation cum Consultation Workshop on the Creation of DENR-EMB-MGB Caraga Integrated IEC Action Plan for CY 2025 on February 27, 2025 at the DENR Regional Learning Center in Ambago, Butuan City. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Office No. XIII, through its Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group, conducted the said activity.  It was attended by Information Officers, Youth Desk Officers and their alternates from DENR, Environmental Management Bureau, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices in Caraga Region. The activity was designed with the following key objectives in mind: Develop a comprehensive roadmap for the successful implementation of the Department’s Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) initiatives, aligned with the strategic priorities of Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga for Caraga Region; Ensure the adoption of effective, sustainable continue reading : 2025 DENR-EMB-MGB Caraga Integrated IEC Action Plan: Transforming communication strategies for greater impact

MGB ROXIII takes part in CRSHS Summit Dome groundbreaking ceremony

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Caraga Regional Science High School’s new covered court named the Summit Dome on February 26, 2025 at the Caraga Regional Science High School Campus in Surigao City. This project is a partnership between Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation (THPAL) and the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte. It is part of THPAL’s Social Development and Management Program for the years 2024 and 2025. The school’s original covered court was completely damaged by Super Typhoon Odette in 2021. After nearly four years of patiently awaiting financial support, Caraga Regional Science High School was granted assistance from THPAL to address this priority need. This new facility is not just a covered court; it is a significant contribution toward achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable continue reading : MGB ROXIII takes part in CRSHS Summit Dome groundbreaking ceremony

2025 Geoscience Workshop: Fostering resilience and sustainability for the future

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau held the 2025 Geoscience Workshop on February 10 to14, 2025 at Hotel Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, Manila. With the theme Advancing Toward a Resilient and Sustainable Future in Geoscience, the workshop was a venue for the discussion of accomplishments and future endeavors in various geoscience programs of the Lands Geological Survey Division (LGSD) and Marine Geological Survey Division (MGSD). It was attended by Geologists from MGB Central Office and Regional Offices. The five-day workshop started with a plenary session on the first day wherein participants were welcomed by Engr. Michael V. Cabalda, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Assistant Secretary for Mining Concerns and Concurrent OIC-Director of Mines and Geosciences Bureau. Afterwards, issues and concerns from LGSD and MGSD were presented by Mr. Karlo L. Queaño, PhD, Chief of LGSD and Mr. Rogel A. Santos, PhD, Chief of MGSD, respectively. To maximize the workshop’s duration, continue reading : 2025 Geoscience Workshop: Fostering resilience and sustainability for the future

MGB holds National Annual Accounting and Budgeting Seminar-Workshop

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau held the National Annual Accounting and Budgeting Seminar-Workshop on February 3 to 7, 2025 at Eden Nature Park and Resort in Toril, Davao City. The activity aimed to enhance financial officers’ knowledge of updated government financial policies, audit compliance, and budgeting strategies. It brought together financial professionals from the MGB Central Office and Regional Offices. Key discussions covered the following topics: Updated guidelines on communication expense claims for Mines and Geosciences Bureau personnel; Revised policies on official local travel reimbursement; Implementation status of the previous year’s audit recommendations; Compliance audit and action plans for addressing audit observations; and FY 2025 budget implementation strategies. Ms. Gloria D. Mendoza, Chief of Financial and Management Division of MGB Central Office, alongside representatives from the Department of Budget and Management and the Bureau of Internal Revenue, led in-depth discussions on financial statement review, taxation updates, and strategic financial planning. continue reading : MGB holds National Annual Accounting and Budgeting Seminar-Workshop

MGB conducts GAD Training-Workshop and Pre-Testing of Interview Schedule for DENR Sectoral Baseline Data Gathering

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau conducted the Training-Workshop on the Consolidation and Finalization of the 2024 GAD Accomplishment Report and Pre-Testing of the Interview Schedule/ Survey Questionnaire for the DENR Sectoral Baseline Data Gathering on January 28 to 31, 2025 at Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in North Edsa, Quezon City. The four-day activity was designed to strengthen the capabilities of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Gender and Development Focal Point System, as well as the Program and Project Teams, and personnel from both the MGB Central Office and Regional Offices. The focus was on enhancing their ability to effectively implement gender-responsive programs, projects, and activities. The key objectives of the activity were as follows: Evaluate Progress and Achievements in Gender Mainstreaming: Assess the strides made by the MGB Central Office and Regional Offices in mainstreaming gender within their operations for CY 2024; Identify Areas for Improvement: Identify and address continue reading : MGB conducts GAD Training-Workshop and Pre-Testing of Interview Schedule for DENR Sectoral Baseline Data Gathering

MGB ROXIII organizes mine and mill tour of CRSHS STEM work immersion students

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIlI organized the mine and mill tour of eleven Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) work immersion students from Caraga Regional Science High School on January 16, 2025 at Greenstone Resources Corporation (GRC) in Tubod, Surigao del Norte. The said tour was designed to provide students with a firsthand look at the mine and mill operations of GRC. Moreover, the experience aimed to deepen their understanding of the mining process and help them make informed decisions about which geoscience courses to pursue and the potential career paths they may follow in the future. At GRC, the students received a comprehensive overview of the project, highlighting the company’s achievements in safety and health, environmental management and social development. They also participated in a safety and health orientation on the company’s protocols. Following the orientation, the students embarked on a mine and mill tour, continue reading : MGB ROXIII organizes mine and mill tour of CRSHS STEM work immersion students

MGB ROXIII GAD Focal Point System spearheads Learning Event for Employees

In keeping with the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, the Gender and Development Focal Point System of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII conducted a full-day Learning Event for Employees on November 28, 2024 at the MGB Regional Office No. XIII Training Center in Surigao City. At the program, Regional Director Larry M. Heradez delivered the Welcome Remarks. He encouraged the participants to contribute to the collective effort of fostering a safe and equitable society for all. The morning session featured the presentation on Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health Matters by Ms. Kristyflor A. Fajarito and Ms. Esther Faith B. Montilla of Caraga State University. For the afternoon session, Atty. Geramer Vere Durato of Public Attorney’s Office-Surigao City District gave an Orientation on Republic Act 11313 (Safe Spaces Act) to promote the building of a harassment-free workplace. The 18-Day Campaign to End VAW supports the continue reading : MGB ROXIII GAD Focal Point System spearheads Learning Event for Employees