Addressing the employees of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) on the occasion of its 119th founding anniversary, Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu expressed confidence in the agency’s ability to regulate the mining industry thru the strict implementation of mining laws.
Sec. Cimatu also took the occasion to announce the winning Philippine entries in the 1st ASEAN Minerals Awards (AMA). Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation bagged the Best Practice in Minerals Mining, while OceanaGold (Philippines), Inc. won the Best Practice in Minerals Processing (see related article Ph wins big in 1st ASEAN Mineral Awards).
Commenting on the theme “Kulturang Pinoy… Kulturang MGB, 119 na Taong Kapit-bisig Tungo sa Responsableng Pagmimina,” Sec. Cimatu said he is happy that the MGB withstood all these years and overcame the difficulties in the implementation of mining laws, and hopes that it will continue to thrive until its 200th anniversary.
On the country’s victory in the 1st AMA, Sec. Cimatu said that this is proof that it can be done, and that there are responsible mining companies worthy of regional recognition. He challenged them to work harder to gain international recognition next time.
“Miners should help eradicate poverty, practice responsible mining and rehabilitate mined-out areas. If they cannot do it, then mining activities should be stopped. It’s best to leave the minerals for the next generation to mine,” Sec. Cimatu stressed.
“The Filipino people truly own the minerals. The mining companies do not own them. They are just being contracted to mine,” he added.
Referring to the irresponsible miners, he said that if they cannot follow mining laws, then he will find other miners who can. “If you cannot follow mining laws, then we will stop you and find other contractors who can, or we better just leave the minerals for the next generation,” Sec. Cimatu said.
Sec. Cimatu also presented plaques of recognition to several service loyalty awardees for their long years of committed and loyal service to the government.
The anniversary celebration started with a thanksgiving mass in the morning, followed by the recognition of loyalty awardees, and playing of Filipino parlor games in the afternoon.
Special guests included DENR Undersecretaries Atty. Ernesto D. Adobo, Jr.; Atty. Analiza R. Teh; Atty. Juan Miguel T. Cuna; Asst. Secretary Corazon C. Davis; Head Executive Asst. Gen. Mario F. Chan; and other DENR officials. Former MGB Director Joel D. Muyco was also present.
MGB Asst. Director Danilo U. Uykieng delivered the opening remarks.
By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publications Division
DENR Sec. Roy A. Cimatu delivering his speech at the MGB 119th founding anniversary
(L-R) MGB Asst. Dir. Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng; DENR Undersecretaries Atty. Juan Miguel T. Cuna and Atty. Analiza R. Teh; former MGB Director Joel D. Muyco; DENR Sec. Roy A.Cimatu; DENR Undersecretary Atty. Ernesto D. Adobo; and DENR Asst. Sec. Corazon C. Davis
Service loyalty awardees receiving their plaques of recognition from Sec. Roy. A. Cimatu
MGB employees playing Filipino parlor games