The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), represented by Engr. Danilo D. Deleña of the Mining Tenements Management Division, participated in the recently concluded Rural Land Use Forum sponsored by the Regional Development Council (RDC) of Region XIII.

The Forum was organized primarily to orient the participants on the concepts of land use planning, especially the adoption of an integrated watershed and eco-system management (“ridge-to-reef” or “ecosystem transect”) framework for local land use and physicals plans. Participants of the event were composed mostly of local chief executives, local planning and development coordinators, and  representatives from the private sector and selected government agencies.

The participants were also apprised on the issues and challenges involved in the preparation of a comprehensive land use plan for Region XIII with the end in view of enhancing existing guidelines.  Further, they were also given updates on the policies affecting land use as well as the different types of tenurial instruments issued by the government.  Finally, there was a discussion about the recent development efforts pertaining to natural resources management within the CARAGA region and in the other areas of the country.
 
For his part, Engr. Deleña presented the prevailing mining tenement concepts, current status of their approvals and existing policies on mineral resources management and conservation.

The event was held from February 23-24, 2015 at the Almont Hotel's Inland Resort, Butuan City.

By: Mining Tenements Management Division