Pursuant to Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) have released a Memorandum dated March 27, 2020, issuing the authorization of Regional Directors to realign the unutilized funds from the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) of mining companies to support affected impact and non-impact communities from COVID-19.
The Realignment of the SDMP fund is the mining industry’s response to assist those affected by the pandemic by providing medical assistance and daily sustenance to households and frontliners in host mining communities and its neighboring areas in close coordination with the concerned LGUs.
The MGB Regional Offices quickly took action by coordinating with every mining contract permit holder under their jurisdiction to comply with the realignment memorandum. Initial problems were met during the donation drive such as difficulty in the procurement of relief goods and medical supplies due to shortage and restricted access to local suppliers; delayed mobilization of the donations due to the strict enforcement in military checkpoints; and difficulty in locating impoverished people in the provinces. Nevertheless, through enough collaborative effort together with the other MGB associations, all of the necessary supplies such as food and medicines for households as well as PPEs for frontliners have been donated.
SUMMARY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Pursuant to Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act
As of April 8, 2020
|
Applicable Power/Authority |
Program/Activity |
Number of Target Beneficiaries |
Number of Target Beneficiaries Served |
Budget Allocation |
Budget Utilized |
|
Section 4.k.2: Procurement of goods and supplies for the social amelioration measures in favor of the communities |
Realignment of Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) fund for social amelioration of communities around mining projects thru provisions of Health/Hygiene Kits and Food Packs |
217,703 Households
16,870 Frontliners
230 PUM |
185,894 Households
17,055 Frontliners
230 PUM |
74,364,781.25
|
59,339,082.41
|
This initiative is also in accordance with Section 136-E of DENR Administrative Order No. 2010-21, the Consolidated IRR of Republic Act 7942, otherwise known as the “Philippine Mining Act of 1995”.
The whole mining industry and MGB shall ensure its active participation in helping to ensure the welfare of those greatly affected during this time of emergency.
By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division