The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Central Office has successfully completed the Safety, Health, Environment, and Social Development (SHES) Systems Audit covering Calendar Year 2024 for MGB Regional Office No. XIII from August 4 to 7, 2025.
The four-day audit was carried out by the MGB Central Office through its Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development Division, led by For. Teodorico L. Marquez Jr. (Environmental Management), together with Engr. David L. Villanueva (Safety and Health Management), Engr. Richard P. Alamo (Environmental Management), For. Roberto Martin C. Pagatpatan (Environmental Management), and Ms. Julie Anne R. Balanag (Social Development and Management). Meanwhile, the Regional Office is represented by Regional Director Larry M. Heradez, together with Engr. Francis Glenn N. Suante, MSESDD Chief of MGB Regional Office No. XIII, with all the division personnel through its section chiefs namely Engr. Ritche B. Banacia (Mine Safety and Health Section), Ms. Christie A. Apale (Mine Environmental Management Section), and Ms. Mary Luz E. Pomoy (Social Development Section).
The audit focused on four major areas ― monitoring of mining contractors and permittees, compliance with the Mining Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, application of the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, and the overall adherence of regulated entities to their approved SHES programs.
The activity featured productive engagements, including entry and exit meetings, document reviews, and focused discussions for each SHES component.
Beyond its technical objectives, the audit also encouraged open dialogue between the Central and Regional Offices, helping clarify rules, address field challenges, and align practices across regions. The CY 2024 SHES Systems Audit reaffirmed the commitment of MGB Regional Office No. XIII to high safety and health, environmental, and social standards, while identifying areas for improvement to better serve the Caraga minerals industry and all its stakeholders.
