The President Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) Selection Committee (SC) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), as the Head of PMIEA Secretariat, spearheaded a focus group discussion (FGD) cum workshop at Seda Vertis North, Quezon City last May 29 – 31, 2024, for the review of the PMIEA selection procedures and guidelines.
The workshop was formally opened by Engr. Marcial H. Mateo, the Chief of Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division (MSESDD) and Head of the PMIEA Selection Committee (PMIEASC) Technical Working Group. A welcome message was also delivered by Atty. Ronald Recidoro, the Executive Director of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.
Both speakers highlighted the significance of ensuring that the PMIEA encompasses not only a company’s environmental compliance, but also the efficiency of its mining operations, its commitment to community development, and the replicability of its best practices.
The presence and engaged participation of the PMIEASC members and/or representatives made the FGD cum workshop a success. The following agencies/organizations attended the said event: Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Health, Department of Interior and
Local Government, DOST, Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, and the Philippine Mining and Exploration Association. Further, the PMIEA Secretariat composed of officials and technical staff from MGB, Environmental Management Bureau, and Forest Management Bureau actively participated in the colloquium. Selected staff of MSESDD, the PMIEASC Technical Working Group, provided technical support during the said event.
The updated PMIEA rules and regulations that resulted from the productive discussions and multidisciplinary experts in attendance are intended to reinforce the PMIEA's selection procedure. The revamped selection mechanism guarantees that the mining firms that shall receive the highest award in the industry are the best of the best for being able to integrate sustainable mineral development into their operations.
As part of the agreements, the revised guidelines shall be formally adopted upon approval of all member agencies and organizations.
The workshop culminated with the closing message from Engr. Danny P. Berches, Chief of Mine Environmental Audit Section of MSESDD, who emphasized the ways forward of this endeavor.
The 3-day event served as a venue for the PMIEASC, Secretariat, and TWG members to discuss the implementing rules and regulation of EO 399; the revision of the validation checklists; and the integration of newly issued policies and other policy proposals in the PMIEA selection process. In addition, there were initial discussions on the collaboration of MGB and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to develop the guidelines for the research and development category under the PMIEA.
The issuance of Executive Order (EO) No. 399, series of 1997, established the PMIEA – an awarding system that recognizes mineral exploration, mining, and mineral processing companies that have demonstrated exceptional performance and commitment in the management of the safety and health, environment, and social development aspects of their respective operations. The PMIEASC was designated under EO 399 to formulate the selection mechanism for the subject Award and annually administer the PMIEA selection.
By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division
Photo No. 1. Participants during the discussion of the final agreements and other issues and concerns
Photo No. 2. Participants after the PMIEA FGD cum Workshop – Day 1 proceedings
Photo No. 3. FGD Participants with MGB Director Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng and OIC Assistant Director Engr. Teodorico A. Sandoval
Photo No. 4. Participants with DOST – PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit