The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) conducted a five-day hybrid workshop, "Training/Workshop on Mining Statistics and Information Dissemination," from October 21–25, 2024, at Eurotel, North Avenue, Quezon City. Attended by statisticians, information officers, IT specialists, and economists from MGB’s central and regional offices, the event aimed to improve mining data management and public information dissemination.
Assistant Secretary for Mining Concerns and MGB Director Engr. Michael V. Cabalda opened the workshop, emphasizing transparency and sustainable resource management. Key sessions included presentations on PENCAS by Ariel De Jesus, PSDP 2023–2029 by PSA representatives, BSP’s Gold Buying Program by Atty. Dante Cambri, and mining transfer pricing regulations by Frances E. Leonida of BIR.
On the second day, Ms. Diory Carr, Development Management Officer III, introduced the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting (PENCAS), integrating environmental metrics into economic planning. In the afternoon, Emalyn P. Pineda and Virginia M. Bathan of the Philippine Statistics Authority discussed the Philippine Statistical Development Program (PSDP) 2023–2029. Atty. Dante Cambri from BSP North Luzon elaborated on the Gold Buying Program, while Frances E. Leonida of the Bureau of Internal Revenue covered Revenue Regulation No. 2-2013 on mining transfer pricing guidelines.
On the third day, participants joined breakout sessions where regional economists and ICT focal persons shared updates on data management challenges. DICT Bureau Director Maria Victoria C. Castro discussed ICT plans, laws, and policies, while Engr. Ibarra J. Sereño of the Mining Technology Division presented the Minahang Bayan Report Template. Mr. Orlando O. Oxales, Deputy Managing Director of Stratbase PH, shared strategies for digital-age crisis management.
The fourth day focused on standardizing Eco MTeams templates, geospatial systems, and IEC programs. Ms. Vikki Antoniette G. Luta of EON discussed the National Unified IEC Program, with panelists including Atty. Rocky Dimaculangan (Chamber of Mines of the Philippines), Mr. Karl R. Ocampo (Nickel Asia Corporation), Mr. Jose Bayani D. Baylon (Nickel Asia Corporation), and Kaycee Crisostomo (TVI Resource Development). In the afternoon, Ms. Ma. Teresa Lopez Pacis of Apex Mining Co., Inc., provided insights on maintaining trust through crisis communication.
The final day centered on participant takeaways, commitments, and an evaluation of the training’s effectiveness. MGB Assistant Director Engr. Teodorico A. Sandoval closed the workshop, reiterating MGB’s dedication to data transparency, environmental stewardship, and sustainable mining practices.
By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division
Assistant Secretary for Mining Concerns and concurrent MGB Director Engr. Michael V. Cabalda delivering the opening remarks for the workshop
Engr. Romualdo D. Aguilos presenting the certificate of appreciation for Ms. Ma. Teresa Lopez Pacis, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Affairs & Communication from Apex Mining Co., Inc.
Engr. Romualdo D. Aguilos presenting the certificate of appreciation for Mr. Orlando O. Oxales Deputy Managing Director of Stratbase PH
Regional office information officers collaborating during the workshop on crisis communication planning
MGB Central and Regional Offices with the MGB Assistant Secretary Engr. Michael V. Cabalda on the first day of the workshop-seminar