The Republic of the Philippines, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), entered into a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan last 16 August 2019 in Tokyo, Japan.

DENR Undersecretary Jonas R. Leones and METI State Minister Yoshihiko Isozaki signed the three-year agreement that aims to promote cooperation in the mining and mineral resources sectors between both countries on the basis of mutual benefit and provide support in the promotion of sustainable development of the mining and mineral resources sectors of Japan and the Philippines.

The MOC signing was followed by the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC).

Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano, MGB Acting Director, and Mr. Naoki Sato, JOGMEC Director General for Metals Environment Management Department, signed the MOU for the terms of the cooperation or commitments between the two agencies for the conduct of mine rehabilitation training.

The training, to be provided by JOGMEC, is slated to be conducted in two (2) batches on October 2019 and January 2020. A total of 15 personnel from MGB Central and Regional Offices will take part in the training.

The MOC and MOU signing was witnessed by Minister and Consul General Robespierre Bolivar of the Philippine Embassy in Japan, MGB CARAGA OIC-Regional Director Glenn Marcelo C. Noble, MGB Planning, Policy and International Affairs Division OIC-Chief Socorro C. Oquendo, and Ms. Nelgie Ann C. Belesario of the Office of the DENR Undersecretary for Mining Concerns.

By: Planning, Policy and International Affairs Division

Signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation on Mining Sector between DENR Undersecretary Jonas R. Leones (right)

and METI State Minister Yoshihiko Isozaki (left)


Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between MGB Director Wilfredo Moncano and JOGMEC Director General Naoki Sato