The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII conducted an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign on Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) and Small-Scale Mining Orientation and Training on Occupational Safety and Health on March 12, 2024 at CN Inland Resort in Rosario, Agusan del Sur.
The goal of the IEC-VRA campaign is to provide the Small-Scale Miners and the Municipal Local Government Unit with supplementary technical details concerning Risk Exposure. This information aims to support the development of risk-sensitive land-use, development, and disaster risk reduction and management plans and programs.
During the IEC-VRA campaign, the discussions covered two main topics. Firstly, Engr. Rodnil G. Rodriguez, Science Research Specialist II, presented the findings of the Small-Scale Mining and Mineral Processing Inventory conducted at Rosario, Agusan del Sur. Secondly, Mr. Ralph Angelo B. Plaza, Senior Geologist, presented the Geohazard Assessment in the same area.
In the same way, the Small-Scale Mining Orientation and Training on Occupational Safety and Health aimed to provide participants with information regarding two key DENR Administrative Orders ― DAO No. 97-30, known as the “Small-Scale Mining Safety Rules and Regulations” and DAO No. 2022-03, known as the “Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 7076”. Republic Act No. 7076 is also known as the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991.
This session covered five primary topics. Firstly, Engr. Ezra Angel R. Lalisan, Project Development Officer, discussed DAO No. 97-30. Secondly, Engr. Charmaine G. Llacuna, Science Research Specialist II, presented the Procedures for the Application of Small-Scale Mining Contract and/or Mineral Processing License. Following this, presentations on the Preparation of the Annual Safety and Health Program, Potential Environmental Impact Management Plan, and Community Development and Management Plan were given by Engr. Lalisan, Mr. Xavier Jay A. Egay, Science Research Specialist II, and Engr. Keana Risa G. Dandan, Science Research Specialist II, respectively. The Small-Scale Miners and the Municipal Local Government Unit of Rosario participated in the said activity which concluded with the Closing Remarks of Mr. Christopher D. Ocite, Provincial Mining Regulatory Board Member and Small-Scale Mining Representative.