The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Central Office, through Engr. Bernardo V. Bitanga, OIC of the Metallurgical Technology Division, and Engr. Donald M. Ofalsa, Chief of the Mining Contract Evaluation Section of the Mining Tenements Management Division, participated in the Regional Stakeholder’s Forum of Region II entitled “Green and Sustainable: A Forum on Responsible Mining” on June 27, 2023, at Casa Jardin, Santiago City. The forum was attended by National Government Agencies, Local Government Units, media practitioners, academe, environmental groups, mining contractors/permit holders/permittees, and other stakeholders.
It was organized by MGB Regional Office (RO) No. II, through the good leadership of Regional Director Mario A. Ancheta, in partnership with the mining companies within Region II, as part of their Information, Education and Communication Campaign to showcase responsible and sustainable mining.
Engr. Bitanga delivered the message of Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng, OIC, Director of MGB, while Engr. Ofalsa presented on Institutionalizing and Implementing Reforms in the Mining Sector focusing on the salient features of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order No. 2021-25, which includes terms and conditions and grant of new Mineral Agreements, mineral reservation, mine safety, environment and social development policies, and engagement of local government and communities.
Other presenters who shared their expertise in the said forum were from MGB RO No. II, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office-Cagayan, Bureau of Internal Revenue No. I, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas-North Luzon, Nickel Asia Corporation, Dinapigue Mining Corporation, Ocenagold (Philippines), Inc., and FCF Minerals Corporation.
Engr. Bernardo V. Bitanga delivering the message of Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng, OIC, Director of MGB
Presentation of Engr. Donald M. Ofalsa of MGB Central Office
The presenters, together with Regional Director Mario A. Ancheta, during the open forum
Open forum in the Stakeholders' Forum of Region II
By: Mining Tenements Management Division