Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu wants foresters to carry shotguns so they can use it to defend themselves.
In a speech delivered by Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Director Wilfredo Moncano during the opening session of the MGB statistical workshop last September 18, he said that Sec. Cimatu expressed concern over two foresters that had been shot by unidentified gunmen while on duty. One died and the other survived.
During their meeting last week, Moncano said that Sec. Cimatu now wants to arm the foresters and give them ample training on how to use shotguns so they can defend themselves in case of future attacks.
Dir. Moncano said that he fully supports Sec. Cimatu’s plans, though it is yet to be decided on as it is still in the early planning stage and that more meetings and collaborations are needed to be done.
Meanwhile, during the same speech, Moncano also expressed confidence that the five-day workshop will help improve the participants’ skills to do their job well and produce more competent output.
With the theme “Training and Capability-building for MGB Personnel Responsible for Statistical Data Analysis, Website Maintenance and Information Dissemination,” the workshop was aimed at: 1) refining the proficiency of the new and existing MGB economists, statisticians, information technology officers and public information officers in managing the website; 2) providing updates on the recent mining laws, rules and regulations; 3) informing participants on the requirements in the application for mining permits; 4) providing updates on environmental laws, programs and projects related to mining; as well as on small-scale mines in the country; 5) information dissemination on geohazard, national wealth from mining, and misconceptions in mining. An in-depth cost-benefit impact / analysis of Social Development and Management Program of mining companies was also presented by Dr. Antonia Crisanta Corinthia N. Naz, a DENR consultant.
The five-day workshop was hosted by the MGB Central Office’s Mineral Economics, Information and Publications Division and was held from September 18 - 22, 2017 at Eurotel Vivaldi, Cubao, Quezon City.
It was attended by Economists, Information Officers, Information Technology Officers from all MGB Regional Offices.
By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publications Division
MGB Director Wilfredo Moncano during his opening speech, September 18, 2017
MGB Director Wilfredo Moncano during his opening speech, September 18, 2017
Engr. Marical H. Mateo from the MGB Central Office Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division discussing updates on environmental laws, programs and projects related to mining
Mr. Joel Natividad from the Mining Technology Division of MGB Central Office discussing updates on small-scale mines
Atty. Brenice Ann M. Gendeve-Castillo on recent mining laws, rules and regulations
Geologist Raymond Thaddeus C. Ancog from the Lands Geological Survey Division of the MGB Central Office, discussing IEC on geohazards
Ms. Ann Diosell Soliven - Bajao from MGB Region XIII discussing a study on national wealth on mining
Dr. Antonia Corinthia Crisanta N. Naz on benefit / impact analysis of an SDMP projects
Participants from MGB Central and Regional Offices posing with MGB Director Wilfredo Moncano
Workshop host, Mineral Economics, Information and Publications Division of MGB Central Office with MGB Director Wilfredo Moncano (middle)