The Mines and Geosciences Bureau participated in the FY 2023 Reprogramming Workshop of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) held last January 23-27, 2023 at Taal Vista, Tagaytay. The said workshop aims to realign DENR sectoral targets for this year towards the intended outcomes of the recently released 2023-2028 Philippine Development Plan and the eight-point socioeconomic agenda of the Marcos administration.
MGB Director Wilfredo G. Moncano had the opportunity to present the significant accomplishments and near-term roadmaps of the mines and geosciences sector to DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga and the rest of the agency’s top management. The presentation focused on the Philippine mining sector roadmap and the push for increased revenue share of the mining sector through priority mining projects and intensified support for the declaration of Minahang Bayan across the country. The geosciences roadmaps also promote the expansion of geological and mineral information of both onshore and offshore potential mineral lands and further collaboration for research and development.
Considering the pressing threats of climate change, MGB is also urged to expand its advance exploration program, particularly for rare-earth minerals, which are identified as raw materials for renewable energy technologies and explore initiatives leading to climate smart mining. Secretary Loyzaga also directed the MGB to fast-track its geohazards program to fully respond and capacitate vulnerable communities against loss of lives and property during disasters. MGB was also provided additional PhP10 Million for the replacement of its ground penetrating radar equipment in support of the karst subsidence mapping and assessment of cities and highly urbanized local government units.
For the current year, Mines and Geosciences Bureau has been allocated PhP1.4 Billion for the implementation of its program and activities geared towards mineral resources and geosciences development.
By: Planning, Policy, and International Affairs Division