Technical personnel of the Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division (MSESDD) of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau extended assistance to the academe, one of the mining industry's stakeholders, as resource person in the Pickaxes to Paychecks: A Geology Student’s Crash Course in Mining workshop at Mapua University last March 1, 2024.
The Association of Geologists and Geological Engineers of Mapua (AGGEM) organized the event as part of the week-long celebration of Geology Week. It was attended by officers and members of AGGEM and geology students from Mapua University, the University of the Philippines, Adamson University, Mindanao State University, and Bicol University.
As part of the student's preparation for and guidance on realizing their career paths, the workshop was intended to serve as a crash course or knowledge-sharing avenue on Safety and Health, Environment and Social Development and Management (SHES), other mining requirements, and the roles and responsibilities of all mining stakeholders.
Engr. Ivy Kimberly A. Batecan, Senior Environmental Management Specialist (SEMS) of MSESDD, discussed the various environmental laws that govern the mining industry, from the responsibilities of mining and mineral processing companies to the role of MGB, other government agencies, and remaining mining stakeholders.
In terms of the social aspect, Mr. Calvin V. Perez, Community Development Officer III of MSESDD, tackled the importance of social development and management in mining communities and the “hat” that every community relations practitioner must bear to ensure that all projects, programs, and activities are always for the people – to ensure a self-sustaining mining community after the life of the mining or mineral processing project.
Lastly, Engr. Apolinario J. Katipunan, SEMS of MSESDD, presented the mining industry's safety and health requirements, which are helpful to the students in their present undertakings, should they decide to pursue careers in industries other than mining and mineral processing.
The organizers prepared interactive activities (e.g., mobile games) related to the topics discussed as part of the program. Further, a significant portion of the workshop was allocated for question-and-answer sessions to clarify and answer the students' queries about their present role as stakeholders in ensuring sustainable minerals development and their future role as geological practitioners.
Photo Nos. 1 and 2. Speakers and onsite participants of the Pickaxes to Paychecks Workshop.
Photo No. 3. Technical personnel of MSESDD who served as lecturers for the event.
By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division