In partnership with the Philippine Mine Safety Association (PMSEA), the technical personnel of the Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development Division (MSESDD) of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) organized the 2023 Community Relations Conference (COMRELCON) on November 15, 2023.
This was one of the highlights of the 69th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) celebration, with the theme: ‘Advancing Sustainable Mining Through Empowered Community Relations.’
The Conference officially started at around 9:00 AM with the welcome remarks of the MGB Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Director, Ms. Fay W. Apil. The President of PMSEA Engr. Luis R. Sarmiento and the OIC Director of the MGB, Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng then delivered their inspirational messages while Ms. Jennifer Pia T. Sibug-las, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Indigenous Peoples, delivered the keynote speech.
Photo No. 1. MGB CAR Director Ms. Fay delivering her welcome remarks Photo No. 2. Engr. Luis R. Sarmiento delivering his inspirational message
Photo No. 3. Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng delivering his inspirational message Photo No. 4. Ms. Jennifer Pia T. Sibug-las, Chair of the NCIP delivering the keynote speech
A very colorful intermission number courtesy of the Maddela Comprehensive High School Bamboo Ensemble, under the sponsorship of Oceanagold Phils. Inc. serenaded the audience during the event. Her Excellency Mary Kay Loss Carlson, Ambassador of the United States to the Philippines, Department of State Embassy of the United States, Manila, also delivered the keynote speech.
Photo No. 5. Her Excellency Mary Kay Loss Carlson, Ambassador of the United States to the Philippines, with her Keynote Speech
The Conference followed the discourse from the presentation of theoretical notes and relative case studies on the various topics of community relations and sustainable development. Specifically, the subject covered the potential contribution of the SDMP to sustainable development goals and community relations in job creation for various stakeholders. A representative from the ENGAGE, EON Manila, the public relations agency tasked to implement the National Unified Information, Education, and Communication Plan (NUIECP), presented updates and the working draft of their communication plan.
Community relations and development practitioners, information and communications officers, and other representatives of mining companies, mining communities, government, media, and non-governmental organizations participated in the conference. Also, the Community Development and Affairs Officers and Division Chiefs of the MSESDD MGB Regional Offices attended the event. Fourteen conference guests, speakers, and 1,200 participants graced the event.
By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division