The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through the Philippines Poverty - Environment Initiative (PPEI) recently conducted the National Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in the Philippines to promote environmental protection and responsible mining in the country. The event was held in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The event, which gathered officials and representatives from the national and local governments discussed the latest mining policies and guidelines along with the issues and concerns in regulating mining-related activities in the Philippines. It also recognized the potential of the mining industry as a driver for economic growth through job generation.
Among the speakers were Assistant Director Dennis Villasenor of the DILG-Bureau of Local Government Finance and DENR-MGB senior officials – Engr. Rodolfo Velasco Jr., Chief of the Mine Environment, Safety and Social Development Division; Engr. Glenn Marcelo Noble, Chief of the Planning, Policy and International Affairs Division; Engr. Esteban Martin, Chief of the Mining Technology Division; and Engr. Romualdo Aguilos, Chief of the Mineral Economics, Information and Publications Division.
Seated from left: Engr. Romualdo Aguilos, Engr. Esteban Martin,
Engr. Rodolfo Velasco Jr. and Engr. Glenn Marcelo Noble
The National Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in the Philippines is one of PPEI's initiatives to advocate and support green, inclusive development.
Currently, the PPEI is on its second phase (2013-2015) and focuses on improving poverty benefits of large-scale mining and limiting its environmental impact and the regulatory aspect of small-scale mining. It also encourages the switch of LGUs towards more environmentally-friendly and renewable energy sources and pushes for the full installation of the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, a global standard for transparency in tracking revenues from the extractive industries.
The event was held on November 26, 2015 at the Goldland Millenia Suites, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publications Division