In honor of the mining month celebration 2021, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) organized an online stakeholders’ forum entitled, #MineResponsibility: Know MINE, Know LIFE – Promoting Safe and Responsible Mining For A Better Normal. The event was held on November 18 and 19, 2021 via Zoom and streamed simultaneously on Facebook Live.
This two-day forum was jam-packed with special presenters who all took their time to share their knowledge in the continuous effort of the industry to truly deliver the message of what responsible mining is all about—that it is possible and it is our reality in the present time.
On the first day, the event was formally welcomed by MGB Director Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano, followed by inspirational messages from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Mr. Jim O. Sampulna, CESO I, and DENR Assistant Secretary Nonita S. Caguioa. The following presenters discussed the following topics: 1) Mr. Jose Bayani D. Baylon, Vice President for Corporate Communications, Nickel Asia Corporation (Telling Our Story—Communicating Responsible Mining to Non-Miners); 2) Ms. Liza Socorro J. Manzano, Chief, Lands Geological Survey Division, MGB (Educating Every Juan and Juana on Geohazards); 3) Atty. Dante Bravo, President, Philippine Nickel Industry Association (Global Goals, Local Actions. PNIA’s 2020 Sustainable Development Goals Report); 4) Engr. Juancho Pablo S. Calvez, Chief, Metallurgical Technology Division, MGB (Promoting Metallurgical Development); and 5) Atty. Joan D. Adaci-Cattiling, President, OceanaGold Philippines, Inc. (Challenges and Opportunities in Environmental Management and Community Development- the OceanaGold Experience).
The second day did not fall short on the valuable lectures tackled that day, with the following experts and their topics being: 1) Engr. Larry Heradez, Regional Director, MGB CARAGA Region (Institutionalizing and Implementing Reforms in the Philippine Mining Sector [DAO 2021-25 re: IRR of EO 130]); 2) Engr. Danilo Delena, Chief, Mining Tenements Management Division, MGB (One MPSA One Operator Policy); 3) Engr. Marcial H. Mateo, Chief, Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development Division, MGB (Ensuring Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development for All); 4) Engr. Teodorico A. Sandoval, Chief, Mining Technology Division, MGB (Revised Guidelines on Offshore Mining- MGB MC 2020-008 and Disposition of Residual Stockpile - DAO 2021-29); and 5) Dr. Rogel Santos, Supervising Geologist, Marine Geological Survey Division, MGB (Promoting Marine Resources and Geosciences Development). The forum was formally closed by MGB Assistant Director Engr. Roland A. De Jesus, CESO V.
The forum aims to raise the awareness of MGB stakeholders on the salient features of recent policies and developments in the mining industry to gain better partnerships with stakeholders in advocating for responsible mining in the country.
The spirit of the mining month celebration was not limited to the central office, as the other regional offices showcased their interactive events in their respective posts on social media, encouraging the public to engage while learning more about responsible mining.
By: Mineral Economics, Information, and Publication Division
a capture of the panelists and the host for the Q&A portion during the first day of the forum
a shot of the panelists for the Q&A portion during the second day of the forum