Mines and Geosciences Bureau

MGB: More than a century of championing sustainability in mining and geosciences

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau dates back during the Spanish regime, known as the “Inspeccion General de Minas." It took charge of the administration and disposition of minerals and mineral lands. The Office, however, was abolished on July 1, 1886 but its functions and personnel were merged with the General Directorate of Civil Administration.

Under the Philippine Revolutionary Republic, the Departamento de Fomento, translated as Department of Public Welfare was created by virtue of the decree signed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo on November 28, 1898. On November 29, 1898, the President signed a decree creating the four (4) divisions of Departamento de Fomento and one of these divisions was the Industry and Agriculture Division. The Mines Section and the Mountains Sections were also formed, wherein the former was under the director of Industry and Agriculture, and latter was under the director of Publicas.

However, when the Americans came, a reorganization was implemented resulting in the emergence of the Mining Bureau by virtue of General Order No. 31, dated March 10, 1900. As part of the reorganization, the administration of mining grants and claims instituted prior to April 11, 1899 was transferred by Act No. 916 from the Mining Bureau to the Public Lands.

In 1905, the Mining Bureau and the Bureau of Government Laboratories were fused under the Bureau of Science, and the Mining Bureau became the Division of Geology and Mines.

By virtue of Memorandum Order No. 5 dated January 25, 1933, the Mineral Lands Division of the Bureau of Lands was merged with the Division of Geology and Mines under the Bureau of Science to form a division known as the Division of Mineral Resources under the Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

The Division of Mineral Resources was charged with functions of carrying out the provisions of three major laws: (1) provisions of the Act of US Congress 1902 pertaining to mineral lands, and the governance of the leasing and development of coal lands; (2) provisions of Act No. 3077, as amended by Act No. 3852, governing the exploration, location and lease of petroleum; and (3) Act No. 2719 governing mineral oils and gas.

On September 19, 1934, the same division was again placed under the direct supervision and control of the Bureau of Science. It was renamed Division of Mines.

With the promulgation of the Commonwealth Constitution reverting the Regalian Doctrine—which particularly asserts that mineral belongs to the State and their disposition, administration, exploitation, and development shall be done through license, concession, or lease—Commonwealth Act No. 136 and 137 were both enacted on November 7, 1936. Commonwealth Act 136 created the Bureau of Mines, while Commonwealth Act No. 137, otherwise known as the Mining Act of 1936, was actually the first major mining law that would stay for about 38 years until Presidential Decree 463.

When the Second World War came, the Bureau of Mines was reconstituted under the Department of Agriculture and Commerce by virtue of Executive Order No. 1 dated January 30, 1942. In 1944, during the Puppet Philippine Republic, the Bureau of Mines shrunk again into a Division of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The Bureau of Mines was restored in 1945 when the Philippine Commonwealth was re-established on February 27 of the same year. Since then, the Bureau of Mines had been under the direct supervision and control of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

It was only in 1974 that the Bureau of Mines was transferred to the Department of Natural Resources pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 461. On the same day, the Mineral Resources Decree of 1974, or PD No. 463, was issued, amending Commonwealth Act No. 137 to provide among others for a modernized system of administration and disposition of mineral lands and to promote and encourage the development and exploration of the mining industry. PD No. 463 was later revised by PD Nos.1385 and 1677.

On June 6, 1978, PD No. 1281 was promulgated revising Commonwealth Act No. 136 boosting the Bureau of Mines and Geosciences Bureau with additional tasks as well as authority to make it more responsive to the objectives of the government for its minerals sector.

A year after, some sections of PD No. 1281 was amended by PD No. 1654 to include renaming the Bureau of Mines as Bureau of Mines and Geosciences further making it more responsive to its varied functions.

On June 10, 1987, pursuant to Executive Order No. 192, otherwise known as Reorganization Act of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the MGB became one of the staff bureaus of DENR. MGB took the functions of the Bureau of Mines and Geosciences but minus the line functions that were transferred mainly to the DENR regional offices. It also absorbed the functions of the abolished Mineral Resources Development Board (MRDB), and the Gold Mining Industry Assistance Board (GMIAB).

The passage of Republic Act 7942, otherwise known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 on March 3, 1995, and DAO No. 96-40, the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 7942, transformed the MGB into a line bureau. The staff bureau created under DAO 1, series of 1988 became the Central Office of the MGB, while Mines and Geosciences Development Service created under DAO 41, series of 1991 became the Regional Offices.

In 1997, by virtue of DAO 97-11, the MGB implemented a full reorganization specifically involving the establishment of two new divisions—the Mining Environment and Safety Division, and the Mine Tenement Management Division—thus, essentially operationalizing the sustainable development principles provision of the Mining Act of 1995.

The year after, the MGB commemorated it’s centennial year and from then on celebrated its anniversary every 28th of November. MGB’s acknowledgement as one of the centennial bureaus further underscored the significance of the State’s management of our mineral resources throughout the decades. Likewise, the long history of MGB has only proven its unwavering commitment in championing sustainability in mining and geosciences.

C e n t r a l O f f i c e

Office of the Director. The Director exercises supervision and control over all divisions, the regional offices, and other agencies under the Bureau; establishes policies and standards; promulgates rules and regulations and such other functions in line with MGB’s mandates.

Mining Environment and Safety Division. Provides scientific and technological foundations in establishing environmental standards, guidelines and procedures for mining operations, including small-scale mining, in particular mine rehabilitation and mine-related pollution thresholds; undertakes mine environmental audit and research; develops strategies for a comprehensive environmental protection program for mining operations; promotes the adoption of best practice in mining environmental management, undertakes mine safety and health audit and coordinate the national program on safety and health in mining operations; and provides technical support services to the Regional Offices, other government agencies, mining contractors/ permittees/permit holders and the general public.

Land Geological Survey Division. Formulates, develops and coordinates the adoption/implementation of national geological mapping programs, field survey and laboratory research technologies and geostandards and georeference materials; conducts specialized researches in geology, petrology, ore genesis mineralogy, paleontology, stratigraphy and other related scientific disciplines, including the conduct of hydrogeological, geohazards and geoenvironmental site assessments; operates and maintains a GIS-based geoinformation and remote sensing facilities for geological applications; and provides technical support services to the Regional Offices, other government agencies, mining contractors/permittees and the general public.

Marine Geological Survey Division. Conducts marine and coastal geological and geophysical survey and promotes marine mineral resources and geo-sciences development; operates and maintains the Bureau’s marine vessel (RPS Explorer); and provides technical support services to the Regional Offices, other government agencies and mining contractors/permittees in connection with marine and coastal geological surveys.

Mining Technology Division. Documents and develops database systems on mine planning and design, exploration drilling and mine feasibility evaluation in support of mining technology development standards, guidelines procedures in mine feasibility evaluation; conducts laboratory researchers, in particular rock mechanics and safety of personal protective equipment pertinent to ground stability and safety of mine personnel; and provides and coordinates on a national level technical support services to Regional Offices and mining contractors/permittees in the fields of mine feasibility evaluation and lab research.

Mining Tenements Management Division. Undertakes final evaluation/review of all mining rights application forwarded by the Regional Offices; performs systems audit in the administration of operation of mining contractors and permittees, and manages the Mineral Rights Management System.

Metallurgical Technology Division. Develops metallurgical processes of extracting minerals from ores; provides and coordinates on a national level metallurgical and analytical services to Regional Offices, mining contractors/permittees and the general public; undertakes metallurgical batch tests for the technical and economic feasibility of mineral extraction from ores, including pilot testing and flowsheet preparation; conducts analysis of metallurgical products and develop substitute analytical procedures and chemical reagents; and operates and maintain metallurgical and chemical laboratories, including part fabrication and modification.

Mineral Economics, Information and Publications Division. Develops strategies for mining investment promotions; formulates policies on mineral economics; undertakes statistical functions relating to mineral production and other related mineral statistical data, including micro-forecasting and trend analysis; undertakes macro-forecasting of mining industry trends; and establishes benchmarks in mining economics, including the conduct of socio-economic surveys. It also takes charge of information, communication and education (IEC) campaign of the Bureau, the publication of Mineral Gazette as mandated by Republic Act No. 7942; operates and maintains the national Mineral Resources Database System as likewise mandated by the said Act; and undertakes information technology functions for systems development in support of IEC Campaigns and publication functions.

Planning and Policy Division. Undertakes planning, programming and monitoring and evaluation of programs/projects/activities coordinates and assists in the formulation of policies, plans and programs for both central and regional operations; and takes charge of project development in coordination with the various divisions of the Central and Regional Offices.

Administrative Division. Administers the Bureau’s human resources development, records, property/supply management and general services.

Finance Division. Undertakes the budgeting, cashiering and accounting operations of the Central Office and integrates the budgeting and accounting procedures of the entire Bureau operations.

R e g i o n a l O f f i c e s

Office of the Regional Director. The Regional Director implements the pertinent laws, policies, rules and regulations, implementing the Bureau’s programs in the region; exercises the management functions of planning, organizing, directing and controlling; and perform such other duties and functions as may be provided by law or further delegated by the Director. In particular, the office of the Regional Director takes charge of mineral lands administration and geosciences services; provides staff services on planning, mineral economics, community development in relation to mining activities, information, education and communication campaign and legal matters, and renders staff and technical support to the Panel of Arbitrators and the Provincial/ City Mining Regulatory Board.

Mine Management Division. Undertakes processing/initial evaluation of mining rights applications and manages the issuance of mining rights operations in mining tenements; takes charge of the operationalization of the mineral rights management system and provide technical services to other government agencies, mining contractors/permittees and general public.

Mining Environment and Safety Division. Responsible for the enforcement and monitoring of compliance with the environmental and safety provisions of Republic Act No. 7942 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations pertaining but not limited to the Environmental Work Program, Annual Environmental Protection Enhancement Program, Mine Decommissioning Plan, Mine Waste and Safety and Health Program.

Geosciences Division. Conducts geological, geo-environmental and mineral exploration surveys; complements the Mine Management Division in the evaluation of mining rights applications; and provides geological and geoscientific information and geotechnical services to other Government agencies, mining contractors/permittees and general public.

Administrative and Finance Division. Provides general administrative services pertaining to human resource management, records, property and other forms of support to the operations; and render budgeting, cashiering and accounting services.

The MGB, as steward of the country's mineral resources, is committed to the promotion of sustainable mineral resources development, aware of its contribution to national economic growth and countryside community development. It fully recognizes that the development of a responsive policy framework in partnership with stakeholders to govern mineral exploration, mining and investment decisions and an effective institutional structure, are fundamental requisites for the sustainable utilization of the country's mineral resources. It is adherent to the promotion of geological studies as an integral element of socio-economic development, environmental protection and human safety. Yet, it is sensitive to the known environmental impacts of mining and the need for restoration and rehabilitation of mining affected areas and the development and adoption of environmental and geoscientific technologies.

MGB envisions a minerals industry that is not only prosperous but also socially, economically and environmentally sustainable, with broad community and political support while positively and progressively assisting in government’s program on poverty alleviation and contributing to the general economic well being of the nation.

MGB also aims to be the leading geoscience and georesources Bureau serving the public and nation with scientific reliability.

To realize its vision for the industry, MGB subscribes to the core requirements of Sustainable Development as applied to mining and geoscience:

  * Protection and rehabilitation of the environment;
  * Promotion of social and community stability;
  * Preservation of options for future generations; and
  * Competitive and prosperous mining industry.

MINES AND GEOSCIENCES BUREAU
Department of Environment and Natural Resources

CY 2009 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM AND ACTIVITIES

I. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES

a. General Management and Supervision

Provision of general administration services pertaining to the affairs of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) as follows:

Implement and administer a sound recruitment, selection, placement and promotion system; employee welfare and other benefit programs; and continuing employee suggestion, incentives and awards system for the improvement of employees’ performance and productivity. Matters relevant to personnel relations and grievances are addressed through the grievance committee that helps create an atmosphere conducive to good supervisor-employee relations and improvement of employee morale. Administrative procedures on matters pertaining to personnel discipline are covered by the Uniform Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service.

Takes the lead in the implementation of Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 through a series of focus group discussion to come up with a Citizens’ Charter Guide for MGB’s Delivery or Services.

Takes charge on the overall maintenance of MGB’s buildings, surroundings and equipments through the conduct of periodic monitoring.

Implements the Bureau’s Annual Procurement Plan through the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) and conduct inventory of the Bureau’s acquisitions.

Manage Records through the conduct of storage, retrieval, transmission, maintenance, preservation and disposition of the Bureau’s documents.

Manage, control, execute and monitor financial requirements for the Bureau. Takes the lead in the analyses and preparation of financial requirements for MGB’s Budget proposals.

Executive Management is also lodged in this program wherein the conduct of final recommendations of mining rights applications are endorsed to the DENR Secretary for approval; MGB key officials coordinate and participate in meetings, conferences and consultations to provide guidance and maintain its good working relationships with international and local networks; and oversees the implementation of the Minerals Action Plan (MAP).

b. Human Resource and Development

Prepare a comprehensive annual training and development plan based on the proposal of each division and on periodic assessment of organizational needs and skills/knowledge inventory of the work force taking into consideration the various levels and categories of jobs in the agency and the urgency of such skills, knowledge and work attitudes required to deliver effective services to the public.

Design, implement and evaluate in-service training and development programs such as induction, orientation/ reorientation, professional/technical/scientific, employee development, middle management and value development programs.

Monitor and extend assistance to the undergraduate scholarship grantees of DENR in the field of Mining, Geology and Metallurgy.

The Bureau supports the National Youth Commission and Department of Education programs through the implementation of youth-related programs and projects that are attuned with the framework of the Philippine Medium Term Youth Development Plan through the conduct of information, education and communication (IEC) activities on DENR’s Programs highlighting the major programs of the MGB.

The Bureau also promotes the realization of the rights of older persons and differently-abled employees through the implementation of programs and activities that will enable them to participate fully in the development of the societies in which they live and enjoy the opportunities available to other citizens. For the year, MGB shall provide facilities that shall enhance the mobility, safety and welfare of older and differently-abled persons.

II. SUPPORT TO OPERATIONS

a. Planning and Policy

POLICY FORMULATION AND PLANNING

To address the gaps in the implementation of policies stipulated in Republic Act No. 7942 (Mining Act of 1995) and Executive Order No. 270 (National Policy Agenda on Revitalizing Mining in the Philippines), review of existing ones and formulation of new policies that will respond to the issues under the Mineral Action Plan (MAP) are done through the following:

o Formulation of development strategies by re-evaluation of existing plans/programs (such as systems in the approval of mining applications, monitoring and validation of commitments by the mining companies, etc.);

o Series of consultations with concerned LGUs, host communities and other concerned agencies; and

o Planning workshops/fora/management conferences

Planning, programming, evaluation and monitoring of the Bureau’s (Central Office and 15 Regions) operations are dependent on the MGB’s Annual Work and Financial Plan (WFP) consistent with accompanying Plans: Annual Procurement, Trainings/Workshops and Travel data documents. WFP serve as the blueprint in the implementation of the Bureau’s plans/programs/activities both for local and foreign assisted funding for the current year. This also becomes the basis of budget estimates including additional funding requirements for inclusion in MGB’s proposals for the succeeding years. The Bureau’s mandate in the administration and disposition of the country’s mineral lands resources are in sync with the commitments in the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP).

Monthly monitoring of MGB’s performance is made to determine efficiency and effectivity in the delivery of services relative to budget utilization. Conduct of field validation of selected Regional Offices’ accomplishments by the Central Office are undertaken to check authenticity of the formers’ submitted reports.

Results of evaluation of Regional Offices (ROs’ Annual Performance Ratings) accomplishments by the Central Office’s lead operations divisions are consolidated and posted to encourage healthy performance competition among them.

LEGAL SERVICES AND MINES ADJUDICATION

Oversees legality of actions by MGB through investigations, opinions, advices/replies, to MGB’s concerns in the implementation of the Bureau’s mandate in accordance with the implementation of Mining Laws, rules and regulations. Represents MGB and files cases in court, quasi-judicial bodies or tribunals against violators.

Actual field validation of Regional Offices with cases in the Panel of Arbitrators (PA) to check if proceedings and disposition of cases is in accordance with the rules provided in the Rules of Pleadings Practice and Procedures before the PA and the Mines Adjudication Board (MAB).

Review and conduct formal investigations, if necessary by the MAB aimed at judiciously and speedily resolving appealed cases involving mining conflicts elevated by the PA and other mine-related cases filed within the Bureau.

b. Mineral Economics, Information and Publication

Compilation and analysis of date on mineral production, policy, trade, investment, taxation, tariff and other economic matters relative to the mining industry to serve as basis for policy recommendations both for local and international mining investors.

Evaluation of project feasibility studies by mining rights applicants to determine the technical, economic, social and environmental feasibility of mining projects.

Generation, forecasting and consolidation of national statistical data based on the monthly submission of Regional Offices and monthly updating of regional statistical reports to come out with a standard outline on national and official statistics information such as: revenues in form of taxes, mining rights applications approved/registered, producing and non-producing mines, mineral production, sales and employment, export prices and trends in the mining industry. Such data is vital for general consumption and estimation of the mining industry’s gross value added in the national accounts. This is done through conduct of monitoring/validation of accomplishments of mining permittees.

Participation in and establishment of national/regional/ international linkages on trade, policy and investment in mining.

Operationalization and maintenance of Mining Investment Assistance Center (MIAC) to promote and provide information relative to mining rights; investment policies, rules and procedures; fiscal regimes; business norm; and environmental and social requirements; coordination with and referrals to other agencies concerned; and advisory services pertaining to approaches and strategies in doing mining business in the Philippines. In support to the MIAC, the Regional One-Stop-Shop Committees facilitates the issuance of Area Status and Clearance for mining applications to consequently reduce the processing time of said applications.

Publication of Mineral Gazette, technical and popular articles related to mineral resources, mining activities and the environment including the conduct of information, education and communication (IEC) activities for Mineral Resources and Geosciences (MRGS).

Periodic maintenance and enhancement of the Bureau’s Website to facilitate transparency on information campaign by MGB.

Maintenance and enhancement of accurate database systems: Mineral Rights Management, Geographic Information for various geological applications, Safety, Health, Environment and Social (SHES) Development Management.

c. Research and Development

Conduct of the following research and development studies to eventually come up with

Recovery of Nickel from Low-Grade Ores by Atmospheric Leaching

Research on the Cenozoic Stratigraphy of the Philippines

Case Study on the differentCommunity Relations/Development Approaches/Practices in every stage ofMine Operation (from pre-mine exploration to mine development andrelinquishment)

Mining Community Profiling

III. OPERATIONS

a. MINERAL LANDS ADMINISTRATION

MINING INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Regional Offices monitor while Central Office conducts audit of approved mining contracts/permits outside and within mineral reservations as to:

o Compliance with the terms and conditions of the mining permits/contracts work programs;

o Compliance to the implementation of Safety, Health, Environment and Social (SHES) Management programs such as Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP), Final Mine Rehabilitation/Decommissioning Plan (FMR/DP), Safety and Health Programs, and Social Development Management Program (SDMP) of large and small-scale mines;

o Validation of volumes and tonnages of mineral resources and ore reserves declared in the mining companies’ feasibility study (results gathered by MGB and Mining Companies) to assess sustainability and effectivity of the companies’ ongoing management systems/protocols/programs through the conduct of field verification.

These serve as venue to provide recommendations/measures/ policy amendments on how to improve the companies’ performance and awareness on their commitments.

On approved permits/contracts within mineral reservations, the Bureau handles the overall administration, management and operation so that the total amount of royalties from mineral shipments due the government shall be duly determined and the payment monitored.

MGB provides technical assistance with the Provincial/City Mining Regulatory Board (P/CMRB) and Multipartite Monitoring Team (MMT) in the abovementioned activities.

MINERAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION PROGRAM

Issuance of mining contracts/permits: Financial Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA); Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA); Exploration Permit (EP); Mineral Processing Permit (MPP); Industrial Sand and Gravel Permit (ISAGP); Special Mines (SMP) and Small-Scale Mining Permit (SSMP) including areas within mineral reservations through processing and evaluation of mining applications upon the applicants’ submission of mandatory requirements (DAO 96-40 as amended). Conduct of field verification is done to validate information on land use and classification areas covered by mining applications. This will also ensure that the mining projects are to be undertaken without compromising the environmental and social responsibilities that each applicant has to commit.

Other mining related permits are also issued by the Bureau such as: Ore Tansport Permit (OTP), Certifications/Accreditations of Traders, Dealers, Minerall Processors, Service Contractors, etc.

In addition, within the mineral reservation areas, there is a continuing conduct of assessment and identification of other possible high potential mineral areas. Included is the conduct of capability building in preparation to the packaging of investment profile of the existing mineral reservation areas to accelerate exploration and development of high potential mining projects nationwide.

ASSESSMENT AND CLEAN-UP OF ABANDONED/ INACTIVE MINES PROGRAM

Implementation of rehabilitation activities in Bagacay, Hinabangan, Western Samar (Philippine Pyrite Corp.) by adopting the Detailed Engineering Planning and Design. Plan of Action are as follows:

o Phase I – Construction of vital structures (interceptor ditches/canals, boulder belts, silt ponds/dam, new access roads, reinforced concrete spillway and perimeter fence) and re-vegetation works (to be applied to disturbed and critical areas like mine pits, tailings ponds, waste dumps, riverbanks and other selected areas.

o Phase II – Care and maintenance of re-vegetated areas to sustain growth and protect the area from further deterioration.

Simultaneously, Phase II of the work is coordinated with Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) for soil amelioration and reforestation covering seventy three (73) hectares. General administration of the said ground works shall be supervised by the MGB-Central Office and periodic monitoring to be handled by MGB-Regional Office VIII.

Funding source is coordinated with the assistance of the World Bank under the National Program Support for Environment and Natural Resources Management Program (NPS-ENRMP) to strengthen DENR’s limited budget resources and catalyze the implementation of Bagacay abandoned mines.

Conduct of risk assessment of fifteen (15) inactive/abandoned mine sites nationwide adopting the following parameters for purpose of gathering baseline data for the development of rehabilitation program for such mining areas: acid mine drainage hazards; safety hazards; erosional hazards; impact to vegetation; visual intrusion and heritage value.

Rapid assessment on coastal/near shore areas downstream of one priority abandoned mine site, Western Minolco Corporation in Atok, Benguet through the conduct of geo-scientific survey and laboratory analysis of sediments and water samples to establish impact attributions and environmental effects on water brought about by past mining operations. Results of study are vital in decision making on future rehabilitation programs.

COMMUNICATION PLAN FOR MINERALS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Preparation, packaging, reproduction and dissemination of suitable information materials that shall cater to the requirements of the mining industry’s stakeholders in line with the Bureau’s thrust to inform, communicate and educate the public on mining investment promotion and issues/concerns regarding mining and geosciences.

Coordinates with the media for press releases/conferences in order to keep the public abreast on issues and concerns that need earnest action and response.

MGB regularly maintains its good working relationships with international and local networks. This serves as venue for MGB key officials’ coordination through participation in meetings, conferences, and consultations to provide guidance (or seek guidance), clarification or inputs to address particular issues, policies and programs.

Establish and create IEC brigade through trainings of the Bureau Staff to promote Mining and Geosciences to target beneficiaries. For the year, MGB’s priority audiences are local government units, religious and civil society groups.

Establish and maintain national and regional electronic websites as sources of vital information on the minerals industry,

b. GEOSCIENCE DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES

GEOHAZARD SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

Completion of geohazard mapping in 1:50,000 scale of two hundred fifty (250) priority municipalities in the country. The generated map is presented through conduct of seminars/workshops on geohazards both for concerned technical personnel, local officials of the government as well as teachers to ensure that dissemination of information has been properly channeled. Digital copies of the geohazard maps are also provided to NEDA and other government agencies involved in development planning and land use classification.

Identification of relocation sites for the affected communities is also provided to LGUs for possible or immediate transfer of communities residing on critical areas.

Also, coastal and offshore geohazard assessment/survey in different offshore areas of the Philippines utilizing the research vessel RPS Explorer as survey platform are also conducted to recommend mitigation and risk management to concerned entitities. Immediately thereafter, results on findings are disseminated through the conduct of IEC activities for LGU officials at the barangay level.

Dissemination of information is the most important highlight of accomplishment with the objective of preparing, warning and capacitating the communities on both land (landslides, floods, flashfloods, subsidence, etc.) and coastal geohazards to mitigate/minimize damages to properties and prevent loss of lives.

Conduct of Engineering Geological and Geohazard Assessments (EGGA) to private land developers and government institutions/individuals to provide information and regulatory requirements of the ECC System for housing and land development projects.

GEOLOGIC MAPPING PROGRAM

Generation of geologic maps at 1:50,000 scale (land and coastal) that are essential for mineral resources exploration for land use planning on: groundwater resource management; geohazard zoning; energy and mineral sourcing and; solid waste disposal sites though the conduct of field surveys and various laboratory analyses.

Provision of laboratory services for different types of samples (water, solids and stream sediments, clay, ores, micro-fossils, rocks, etc.) both for government and private clients to provide baseline data information.

GROUNDWATER RESOURCES AND SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL SITES MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Conduct of groundwater resource and vulnerability assessment of various areas in the country to come out with groundwater availability map to be used as a tool by the decision makers in the management of available water resources for future development. Integrated in this study is the conduct of geological studies of possible solid waste disposal sites and assessment of the existing landfill sites or areas through the application of hydro-geologic and geochemical studies for development into engineered dumps or landfills. This program will assist the LGUs and private organizations on how to localize groundwater resources and manage their respective communities’ solid wastes without contaminating the source of water.

ASSESSMENT/STUDY ON THE RELATIVE SEA LEVEL CHANGE ASSOCIATED HAZARDS AS INDUCED OR ENHANCED BY CLIMATE CHANGE AND GEOLOGICAL FACTORS

Identification of priority areas in NW Luzon, Albay Gulf and Eastern Leyte for coastal hazard assessment, and dissemination of information based on the result of relative sea level rise study brought about by climate change. Said result shall contribute to the formulation of a national land-use management policy, appropriate mitigation/adaptation measures that address coastal erosion, coastal flooding, saltwater intrusion, storm surges, loss of productive lands and decrease in soil and water quality.