MGB ROXIII participates in Opening Ceremony of 2025 Caraga Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII participated in the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 Caraga Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) on July 30, 2025 at Robinsons Mall in Butuan City. Spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga Regional Office, this year’s RSTW carries the theme “Siyensiya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan” and the sub-theme “Building Smart and Sustainable Communities”.  The event laid emphasis on the crucial role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in fostering resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities. At the event, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr., delivered the Keynote Message.  DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Sancho A. Mabborang and DOST Caraga Regional Director Noel M. Ajoc also delivered their respective messages. A significant highlight of the event was the SETUP 4.0 and Innovation Synergy Ceremony which featured the following initiatives: • Ceremonial Fund continue reading : MGB ROXIII participates in Opening Ceremony of 2025 Caraga Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week

MGB ROXIII, CSU and CREDO-Caraga, Inc. ink MOA on ICT4RM implementation

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 continue reading : MGB ROXIII, CSU and CREDO-Caraga, Inc. ink MOA on ICT4RM implementation

Professional Regulatory Board of Geology visits MGB ROXIII for inspection and monitoring activities

The Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) of Geology conducted an official inspection and monitoring visit at the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII to assess the Bureau’s compliance with professional standards in geological practice today. The monitoring team was composed of Atty. Fernando S. Peñarroyo, Chairman of the PRB of Geology, and Dr. Elmer B. Billedo. Ms. Cherry May A. Mamasu-Espejon, representative of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Region XIII, also took part in the activity. This activity was conducted in accordance with Section 9 of Republic Act No. 8981, also known as the “PRC Modernization Act of 2000”. The law mandates that professional regulatory boards are responsible for monitoring the conditions affecting the practice of their respective professions and conducting ocular inspections with deputized representatives from the Commission. During the visit, the PRB Monitoring Team reviewed the organizational structure of MGB ROXIlI, with a particular focus on the continue reading : Professional Regulatory Board of Geology visits MGB ROXIII for inspection and monitoring activities

MGBEA Region XIII ushers in New Leadership with Oath-Taking Ceremony

The new Mines and Geosciences Bureau Employees Association (MGBEA) Region XIII Chapter Officers took their Oath of Office before Regional Director Larry M. Heradez on July 14, 2025 at the MGB Regional Office No. XIII in Surigao City.    Below is the roster of MGBEA Region XIII Chapter Officers for CY 2025-2028: President:  LIZA PACETE-COROTANVice President:  ENJIE G. PACILLOS-CAÑETESecretary:  MARY LUZ E. POMOYAssistant Secretary:  IVEE DREA C. ZERDATreasurer:  JUSRIT ELVIE B. SEGUISAssistant Treasurer:  MARGIE ANN P. ENSOMO-ABULENCIAAuditor:  CHRISTIE A. APALEAssistant Auditor:  LILIBETH GIMOTO-BALDAPANPRO:  MARIE PENNELOPE E. FANGAssistant PRO:  KENNETH KARR E. CAGAS The MGBEA is a national organization guided by the principles of equality, fraternity and democracy.  As stated in its Declaration of Principles, the MGBEA is the realization of the employees’ exercise of the right to self-organization, as provided for under the provisions of the Philippine Constitution and the pertinent rules and regulations.  Thus, its members shall not be discriminated continue reading : MGBEA Region XIII ushers in New Leadership with Oath-Taking Ceremony

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