The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur conducted the Ceremonial Acceptance and Signing of the Declaration of Minahang Bayan of Barangay Sta. Cruz Small-Scale Mining Association of Rosario Agusan Del Sur (BSCSSMARADS) on March 12, 2024 at CN Inland Resort in Rosario, Agusan del Sur.
The BSCSSMARADS has been officially declared as a People’s Small-Scale Mining Area or Minahang Bayan, covering a total area of 40 hectares, through the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board Resolution (PMRB) No. 18 Series of 2024.
This milestone in the Caraga minerals industry was spearheaded by the Provincial Governor of Agusan del Sur, Hon. Santiago B. Cane, Jr., and the MGB Caraga Regional Director, Engr. Larry M. Heradez. Present during the event were Officers and Board of Directors of BSCSSMARADS headed by its President, Mr. Panfilo C. Dobluis; Municipal Mayor of Rosario, Hon. Jose T. Cuyos, Sr.; Punong Barangay of Sta. Cruz, Hon. Felicidad D. Ocite; Municipal Local Government Unit of Rosario Representatives; PMRB Agusan del Sur Member Representatives and a number of MGB Caraga technical personnel. The President of Chamber of Mines of Caraga Region, Inc., Engr. Francisco J. Arañes, Jr., also took part in the event to showcase the Small Brother-Big Brother strategy.
At the event, RD Heradez delivered the Welcome Remarks and followed by additional remarks from Hon. Ocite. An Inspirational Message was then delivered by Governor Cane wherein he highlighted his advocacy on responsible mining in the Province of Agusan del Sur. Messages were also given by Hon. Cuyos and Engr. Arañes. BSCSSMARADS is the second People’s Small-Scale Mining Area or Minahang Bayan to be declared as such in the Province of Agusan del Sur.
