In keeping with the 2021 Mining Month Celebration, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau conducted the Stakeholders’ Forum entitled #MineResponsibility: Know MINE, Know LIFE on November 18 to 19, 2021 via Zoom Platform and Facebook Live.

The forum aimed to intensify the awareness of participants on the salient features of recent policies and developments issued by MGB in order to strengthen partnerships with stakeholders and foster the promotion of responsible mining for national progress.

On the first day of the forum, MGB Director Wilfredo G. Moncano formally welcomed the participants while Usec. Jim O. Sampulna, DENR Undersecretary for Enforcement, Mining, and Muslim Affairs, and Asec. Nonita S. Caguioa, DENR Assistant Secretary for Finance, Information Systems and Mining Concerns delivered inspirational messages.

The forum featured the following presentations from the minerals industry as well as from the MGB Central Office:

Telling Our Story ― Communicating Responsible Mining to Non-Miners
Mr. Jose Bayani D. Baylon
Vice President for Corporate Communications
Nickel Asia Corporation

Educating Every Juan and Juana on Geohazards
Ms. Liza Socorro J. Manzano
Chief, Lands Geological Survey Division
MGB Central Office

Global Goals, Local Actions: PNIA’s 2020 Sustainable Development Goals Report
Atty. Dante R. Bravo
President
Philippine Nickel Industry Association

Promoting Metallurgical Development
Engr. Juancho Pablo S. Calvez
Chief, Metallurgical Technology Division
MGB Central Office

Didipio Mine: Challenges and Opportunities in Environmental Management and Community Development
Atty. Joan D. Adaci-Cattiling
President
OceanaGold Philippines, Inc.

On the second day of the forum, the following presentations were comprehensively discussed by the MGB Caraga Regional Director and a number of MGB Central Office Chiefs:

Institutionalizing and Implementing Reforms in the Philippine Mining Sector (DAO 2021-25)
Engr. Larry M. Heradez
Regional Director
MGB Caraga

One MPSA, One Operator Policy
Engr. Danilo D. Deleña
Chief, Mining Tenements Management Division
MGB Central Office

Ensuring Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development for All
Engr. Marcial H. Mateo
Chief, Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development Division
MGB Central Office

Revised Guidelines on Offshore Mining (MGB MC 2020-008) and Disposition of Residual Stockpile (DAO 2021-29)
Engr. Teodorico A. Sandoval
Chief, Mining Technology Division
MGB Central Office

Promoting Marine Resources and Geosciences Development
Dr. Rogel A. Santos
Supervising Geologist, Marine Geological Survey Division
MGB Central Office

After the sessions, an open forum ensued wherein the participants raised issues and concerns related to the presentations.  Various Information, Education and Communication (IEC) videos skilfully produced by MGB Regional Offices were showcased at the forum. Similarly, some of the Regional Offices’ social media posts about their respective activities for the 2021 Mining Month Celebration were featured. The MGB Assistant Director, Engr. Roland A. De Jesus, formally closed the virtual forum with his parting remarks.  On behalf of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, he thanked the participants for their active involvement and keen support.

By: Marie Pennelope E. Fang
Administrative Officer IV
Office of the Regional Director