Caraga minerals industry gains distinctions

The annual Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA), Best Mining Forest Contest-Mining Forest Program (MFP), and Safest Mines Awards (SMA) continued to pursue their goals in recognizing the exemplary efforts and achievements of the minerals industry in the protection of environment and ecology. The said awards aim to encourage participation, intensify public awareness, and improve the quality of life of Filipinos.  Notwithstanding the challenges of the current pandemic, the Caraga minerals industry continues to thrive in fulfilling its commitments and achieving the awards. The PMIEA was re-established through Executive Order No. 374, s. 2004 in compliance with the policy that mineral exploration and operation shall be pro-environment and pro-people in sustaining wealth creation, improving quality of life, and managing mining activities in an environmentally responsible manner. The scope of the said recognition includes programs/projects/activities implemented for environmental protection and enhancement of mining areas; social development of the host and neighboring continue reading : Caraga minerals industry gains distinctions

MGB holds 2021 Geoscience Workshop

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau held the Annual Geoscience Workshop via Microsoft Teams Platform on February 15-19, 2021. The workshop was attended by all personnel from the Lands Geological Survey Division of MGB Central Office and all geologists from the 15 Regional Offices.  All geologists from the technical divisions of the MGB Regional Office No. XIII including the embedded personnel attended the workshop. The five-day workshop started with the usual opening program.  It was then followed by the plenary sessions.  The plenary sessions were moslty conducted for the reporting of the 2020 accomplishments of the different projects. The first to report was Mr. Aniano D. Torres for the Groundwater Resource and Vulnerability Assessment Program and followed by the Geological Quadrangle Mapping Program reported by Dr. Maybellyn A. Zepeda and the report for the Mineral Reservation Program by Mr. Raymundo I. Villones, Jr.  In the afternoon, the accomplishment reports for the continue reading : MGB holds 2021 Geoscience Workshop

JOGMEC Online Program for Mine Pollution Control: Strengthening cooperation between Japanese and Philippine mining sectors

In line with the Memorandum of Cooperation by and between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry through the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in 2019, the JOGMEC Online Program for Mine Pollution Control was conducted on February 5-22, 2021. The program was designed in such a way that it will kindle in the participants an interest in the importance of mine pollution prevention and increase their understanding of basic measures to control mine pollution especially in the field of mining. The contents target a wide audience, particularly DENR Offices concerned with mine pollution. In CY 2019, the DENR-MGB sent eight (8) personnel to Japan since that was the original plan on how the training will be carried out. However, overseas travel became difficult in CY 2020 due to the COVID-19 continue reading : JOGMEC Online Program for Mine Pollution Control: Strengthening cooperation between Japanese and Philippine mining sectors

PMRB Agusan del Norte convenes Regular Meeting

The Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) of Agusan del Norte convened its Regular Meeting on January 27, 2021 at Red Palm Suites and Restaurant in Butuan City. Engr. Glenn Marcelo C. Noble, Regional Director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office (RO) No. XIII, presided over the meeting in his capacity as the PMRB Chairman.  The regular members of the PMRB were in attendance – Mr. Alberto T. Endozo, Jr., PMRB Vice Chairman; Engr. Verlin Marie M. Baldapan and Engr. Ernesto T. Calzar, MGB RO No. XIII Representatives; Mr. Crisnorman S. Linconada, Large-scale Mining Sector Representative; Mr. Florante O. Perez, Small-scale Mining Sector Representative; Atty. Gil M. Cembrano, Sand and Gravel Permit Holders Representative; Mr. Jonathan P. Caga-anan, Environmental Non-governmental Organization Representative;  Ms. Adela G. Antiga, OIC-Chief of Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and Mses. Marina S. Trillo and Romina C. Altorino, Secretariat.  Other participants included Atty. Roberto continue reading : PMRB Agusan del Norte convenes Regular Meeting

CMEMCI, MGB ROXIII hold Turnover Ceremony and Induction of Officers

The Caraga Mine Environmental Management Council, Inc. (CMEMCI), in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office (RO) No. XIII, held a virtual cum face-to-face Turnover Ceremony and Induction of new CMEMCI Officers on January 25, 2021 at MGB RO No. XIII Training Center. The ceremony highlighted the accomplishments and activities of CMEMCI with different organizations and government agencies from CY 2015-2019 presented by the outgoing CMEMCI President, Engr. Robert T. Francisco. It was then followed by the distribution of Service Awards to the outgoing Officers, namely Engr. Robert T. Francisco, President;  EnP. Jesalyn A. Guingguing, Vice President;  EnP. Alex C. Canonoy, Secretary;  Ms. Yones Rae A. Lumba, Treasurer; and Mr. Shaun L. Guingguing, Auditor.  The outgoing Board of Directors, namely EnP. Jjam S. Cutillas, Provincial Representative of Dinagat Islands;  EnP. Jameson O. Bandala, Provincial Representative of Surigao del Norte;  For. Manuel A. Torres, Provincial Representative of Surigao continue reading : CMEMCI, MGB ROXIII hold Turnover Ceremony and Induction of Officers

Philippine Red Cross Molecular Laboratory in Surigao del Norte: A Story of Cooperation in Victory and Development

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte and other partner stakeholders, spearheaded the Blessing and Inauguration of the PRC Molecular Laboratory on January 13, 2021 at Km. 9, Barangay Bonifacio, Surigao City. Bishop Antonieto D. Cabahug, D.D. of the Diocese of Surigao led the blessing rites of the PRC Molecular Laboratory.  Congressman Francisco Jose Matugas II of the 1st District of Surigao del Norte; Provincial Vice Governor Eddie “Geed” Gokiangkee, Jr. of Surigao del Norte; Mayor Ernesto U. Matugas, Jr. of Surigao City; Ms. Genevieve P. Chua, Community Relations Manager of THPAL Nickel Corporation; and Mr. Jose Bayani Baylon, Vice President for Corporate Communications of Nickel Asia Corporation delivered messages at the event.  Department of Health Caraga Regional Director Jose Llacuna Jr., Philippine Red Cross-Surigao del Norte Chairman Arturo Carlos A. Egay, Jr., Philippine Red Cross-Surigao del Norte Chapter Administrator Marilou E. continue reading : Philippine Red Cross Molecular Laboratory in Surigao del Norte: A Story of Cooperation in Victory and Development

MGB ROXIII conducts Virtual IEC Campaign on the Results of Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Project and Training-Workshop on Understanding Risk Exposure Maps

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office (RO) No. XIII conducted its virtual Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign on the Results of Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) Project and Training-Workshop on Understanding Risk Exposure Maps via Zoom Platform on December 14-16, 2020 for the Municipalities of Lanuza, Madrid and Marihatag, Province of Surigao del Sur.  Prior to the virtual IEC Campaign, a pre-coordination meeting via Zoom Platform was conducted for the said municipalities on December 9. Due to the prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic, MGB RO No. XIII has adjusted its protocol in order to conduct the IEC virtually.  This shift to a virtual medium will allow the Office to fully realize the IEC objectives while ensuring the safety of both the LGU participants and the MGB team. The IEC Campaign aimed to intensify awareness and provide additional technical input to the Local Government Unit (LGU) regarding Risk continue reading : MGB ROXIII conducts Virtual IEC Campaign on the Results of Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Project and Training-Workshop on Understanding Risk Exposure Maps

MGB ROXIII supports 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women

The Gender and Development Focal Point System (GADFPS) of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office (RO) No. XIII supported the National Government’s 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW). With the theme “VAW-free Community Starts with ME,” the campaign supports the National Government’s goal to protect the rights of women and children and its commitments to address all forms of gender-based violence.  While the campaign comes at a most challenging time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it continues to underscore the significant roles of individuals in fighting violence against women and girls which can be achieved by empowering individuals to know and claim their rights and to educate them where to seek help in cases of violence. The MGB RO No. XIII GADFPS conducted a GAD Seminar in the morning of December 4, 2020 via Zoom Platform with the employees as participants.  On behalf of Regional Director continue reading : MGB ROXIII supports 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women

MGB ROXIII carries out stockpile validation

Caraga Region is one of the gateways of commerce and trade. The minerals industry in the region has contributed a significant percentage of taxes to the Philippine economy. A vital part of mining operations is the export of mine ores. The transport of all minerals/mineral products and by-products, including gold bullions, by permit holders, contractors, accredited traders, retailers, processors and other mining rights holders must be accompanied by an Ore Transport Permit (OTP) and Mineral Ore Export Permit (MOEP) issued by the Regional Director concerned or his/her duly authorized representative pursuant to Section 117 of Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order No. 2010-21 (Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 7942, otherwise known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.) The validation of stockpile is one of the requirements in the application for OTP to corroborate that there is enough ore mined/produced by the certain mining company for continue reading : MGB ROXIII carries out stockpile validation

Caraga MRFC meetings and MMT inspections carry on amidst the pandemic

The Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committees (MRFCs) and the Multi-partite Monitoring Teams (MMTs) of Caraga mining companies have carried on with their respective duties by conducting regular and special meetings and inspections amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. It may be recalled that the MRFC is a body that consists of private and public entities. One of its major duties and responsibilities is to ensure that the approved Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP)/Annual EPEP (AEPEP) of the mining and mineral processing projects shall be strictly implemented. The MRFC deputizes the MMT as its monitoring arm.  The MRFC meetings and MMT inspections are regularly conducted quarterly for operating companies and semi-annually for non-operating companies. The unprecedented effects of the pandemic, which include a series of lockdowns and quarantine protocols, hampered the conduct of the meetings and inspections.  In response to the current situation, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) released Regional Memorandum Order continue reading : Caraga MRFC meetings and MMT inspections carry on amidst the pandemic