In its bid to promote responsible and sustainable mining, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) recently conducted a two-day stakeholders forum with the theme "What's Up and New in Philippine Mining: Understanding Recent Policies that Govern Mining Operations to Promote Responsible and Sustainable Mining."

The event was designed to give stakeholders updates on the current and new mining laws and policies that govern the industry. The stakeholders included mining contractors, local government units, civil society, and academe among others.

Senior officials of the MGB served as the resource persons. They are Engr. Rodolfo Velasco Jr., Chief of the Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division; Engr. Glenn Marcelo Noble, Chief of the Planning, Policy and International Affairs Division; Engr. Esteban Martin, Officer-In-Charge of the Mining Technology Division; and Engr. Romualdo Aguilos, Officer-In-Charge of the Mineral Economics, Information and Publications Division.

The speakers discussed the latest mining regulations including: 1) Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2015-02, or the Harmonization of the Implementation of the Philippine EIS System and the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 in relation to Mining Projects; and 2) DAO No. 2015-03, or the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 7076, or the "People's Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991." Also discussed were overview/updates on the implementation of Executive Order No. 79, and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

The first day, held last July 8 at the Eurotel Hotel, North EDSA, Quezon City, was attended by representatives of mining companies and the civil society.

The second day, held last July 10 at the Bliss Hotel, San Fernando, Pampanga, was participated in by a more diverse group of participants including members of the local government units. This was held in coordination with the MGB Regional Office No. III.

Engrs. Rodolfo Velasco Jr. and Esteban Martin during the open forum
at the Eurotel Hotel, Quezon City


Engrs. Romualdo Aguilos, Glenn Marcelo Noble, and Rodolfo Velasco Jr.
during the open forum at the Bliss Hotel, Pampanga