The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) presented its advocacy programs through a campus talk during a forum entitled, “Mga Usapin sa Yamang Mina: A Forum on Philippine Mining Policy Programs” held at Ateneo de Manila University, in connection with the 30th anniversary celebration of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines.
For this year’s installment of Ateneo’s TALAB: Talakayang Alay sa Bayan, the said forum aimed to discuss the issues and contentious debates in the mining sector through revisiting the provisions for the national economy and patrimony.
Engr. Rodolfo L. Velasco Jr. Chief, Safety, Environment and Social Development Division, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) presented the safety and health, environmental, and social development programs being implemented by mining companies pursuant to the Republic Act No. 7942, the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and DENR Administrative Order No. 2010-21, its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations. Current issues on the recent suspension and closure orders of the some mining companies by the DENR were also presented.
Ms. Nelia C. Halcon, Executive Vice President of the Chambers of Mines of the Philippines (COMP), was one of the reactors during the forum. Ms. Halcon stressed that minerals are the country’s natural assets and that taxation is the best way to redistribute the benefits of mining for the good of many. With regard on the current issues in the mining industry, the COMP calls for a due process and the rule of law must be followed for those mines that has been suspended and closed. In terms of the issued Show Cause Orders for the cancellation of 75 Mineral Production Sharing Agreements by the DENR, mining companies were considering the legal options.
The last reactor in the forum was represented by Mr. Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of the Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM). Among the highlights of Mr. Garganera’s presentation were discussion on responsible mining as a myth; call for a rational mining in the country upon pursuing a National Industrialization Plan; and the current crisis in the mining industry.
The symposium was held on February 21, 2017 in Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City and was organized by Department of Economics of the Ateneo de Manila University.
By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division
Forum speaker (MGB) and reactors (COMP and ATM) with organizers from Ateneo de Manila University.
Engr. Rodolfo L. Velasco Jr., MGB-MSESDD Chief, discussing responsible mining in the context of the Philippine Mining Law.
Ms. Nelia C. Halcon, Executive Vice President of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines while presenting the Philippine Mining Landscape
Mr. Jaybee Garganera, National Coordinator of the Alyansa Tigil Mina with his presentation on “Responsible Mining is a Myth.”