Statisticians, Economists and Information Officers of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) nationwide recently underwent training in the said disciplines in line with the MGB’s efforts to refresh and upgrade their working knowledge in order to improve the delivery of service to their stakeholders. The five-day Statistical Workshop was led by the Mineral Economics, Information and Publications Division (MEIPD) of the MGB Central Office.
Dean Joseph Villanueva from the Philippine Statistics Authority gave a lecture on Gross Value Added in terms of its computation as a whole and as applicable to mining; its importance in the national mineral accounts; the difference between constant price and current price; and the estimation of gold production from small-scale mines.
During the Workshop, the participants were taught advanced techniques using the Microsoft Excel to make computing faster and more accurate. A refresher course was also given on Microsoft programs such as PowerPoint, Word and Publisher to enhance their knowledge on how to create presentation materials as well as newsletters, brochures, pamphlets, business cards, and the like.
The participants were also informed that the MEIPD, with the help of the different MGB Regional Offices, is currently finalizing the Provincial Mineral Profile for the whole country. These are targeted to be completed by the first quarter of 2017 and shall be uploaded in the MGB website.
In addition, the MEIPD continuously updates and publishes information materials such as the Directory of Operating Mines and Quarries; Directory of Accredited Dealers, Traders and Retailers of Mineral Products; Quarterly and Annual Mineral Production and Export of Minerals; Mining Industry Statistics; as well as various brochures on mining and mining-related topics.
In his message, MGB Assistant Director Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng reminded the participants to use scientific facts and information wisely to make them relevant to the mining industry, especially the Filipino people. He added that the importance of statistics lie in their being analyzed well to be used as tools for policy making to improve the lives of the people. Otherwise, they will just be meaningless figures and numbers.
The Workshop was held from November 22 - 26 at Greenhills Elan Hotel in San Juan City.
By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publications Division
Workshop participants with MGB Assistant Director Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng.
MGB Central Office MEIPD Staff with MGB Assistant Director Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng.