The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII conducted the Stakeholders’ Forum on April 20 to 21, 2022 at Hotel Oazis in Butuan City.

The forum formally commenced with the Opening Remarks of MGB Director Wilfredo G. Moncano.  At the heart of the forum were presentations of Resource Speakers from MGB Central Office and MGB Regional Office No. XIII and the open forum with the participants.

These presentations were featured on the first day of the forum:

Industrial Sand and Gravel Permit
Engr. Christian Armand V. Magbag

Mineral Processing Permit
Engr. Princess Lara Diana C. Bambilla

Safety and Health, Environment and Social Development and Management Requirements for Applicants of Industrial Sand and Gravel and Mineral Processing Permits
Engr. Danny P. Berches

Status Report:  Industrial Sand and Gravel and Mineral Processing Permits
Engr. Lilibeth P. Gimoto

Holders and Applicants of the following Industrial Sand and Gravel Permits and Mineral Processing Permits attended the first day of the forum:

⚫ ADFIL Corporation⚫ Equi-parco Construction Company
⚫ South Arkipelago Gravel & Sand Corp.⚫ Triparco Development Corporation
⚫ Mario A. Avila⚫ Redlion Megatrade, Inc.
⚫ Gregorio Tejano, Jr.⚫ Dante M. Booc
⚫ Kentira Ventures⚫ Tubajon Small Miners Association, Inc.
⚫ Buildzone Construction & Supply⚫ Wilfred B. Pollicar

Moreover, these presentations were featured on the second day of the forum:

Highlights of DAO No. 2022-23 re Streamlining of Procedures and Guidelines in Declaration of People’s Small-Scale Mining Area or Minahang Bayan
Engr. John Peter A. Miraña

Safety and Health, Environment and Social Development and Management Requirements for Applicants of Small-Scale Mining Contracts/Permits
Engr. Danny P. Berches

Status Report:  Minahang Bayan, Small-Scale Mining Contract and Mineral Processing License
Engr. Lilibeth P. Gimoto

In the same way, Holders and Applicants of the following People’s Small-Scale Mining Area or Minahang Bayan, Small-Scale Mining Contracts, and Mineral Processing License attended the second day of the forum:

⚫ Albor Small-Scale Mining CooperativeTagbinayan Small-Scale Mining Association⚫ Barangay Sta. Cruz Small-Scale Miners Association of Rosario, Agusan del Sur
⚫ Place Small-Scale Mining Association, Inc.⚫ Del Pilar Small-Scale Mining Association, Inc.
⚫ Nagkahiusang Gagmayng Mag-uuma Association⚫ MOHAVE Small-Scale Mining Association, Inc.
⚫ Allan M. Lagangga / Canticol Small-Scale Mining Corporation⚫ Bangkuan Minahan ng Katutubo Small-Scale Mining Producers Cooperative
⚫ VPO Enterprise and Gold Processing⚫ Gacub Settlers Multi-Purpose Cooperative
⚫ Darna L. Daytoc⚫ Local Government Unit of Brgy. Cansayong, Malimono, Surigao del Norte

In addition, representatives of Local Government Units, DENR Line Agencies, PENROs and CENROs were also in attendance at the forum.

On a special note, DENR Undersecretary for Mindanao Field Operations Joselin Marcus E. Fragada and DENR Caraga Regional Executive Director Nonito M. Tamayo graced the forum and imparted messages for the participants.

Usec. Fragada emphasized that the most basic premise in small-scale mining is how to make mining and environmental conservation co-exist in any mining activity and area.  He also expressed that the DENR supports the Declaration of Minahang Bayan areas and the sustainability of mining activities for the socioeconomic development of the communities. As a final point, he encouraged the participants to uphold responsible mining while new guidelines are being implemented.

Before the activity drew to a close, the participants received Certificates of Participation and took part in the photo opportunities that followed.

By:

MARIE PENNELOPE E. FANG
Administrative Officer IV