On November 27, 2020, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) observed their 122nd Foundation Anniversary. To execute safety protocols, the event was held online via Microsoft Teams, with only the one key representative per division present in the actual venue to formally receive the awards. This 2020, the theme is “MGB: Readiness and Resiliency Amidst Challenges in the New Normal”.
MGB Assistant Director Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng delivered MGB Acting Director Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano’s message, which recalls how this year has been hard on all of us due to the pandemic and calamities that affected the nation. Furthermore, he notes the 122nd anniversary is a testament of the resilience of MGB amidst the challenges for all because of the men and women of service behind the Bureau, who all worked hard to deliver public service to all stakeholders.
Mr. Jim O. Sampulna, CESO III, Undersecretary (USEC) for Enforcement, Mining and Muslim Affairs, had his message read out by Engr. Juancho Pablo S. Calvez, Chief, Metallurgical Technology Division. In his note, USEC Sampulna is honored to celebrate this year’s MGB anniversary as it will be his first time to do so as the Bureau’s USEC. He applauded MGB for its initiatives to comply immediately to the Bayanihan Act issued by President Rodrigo Duterte by realigning the Social Development and Management Program funds to aid the affected mining host communities due to the pandemic. He believes that if the Bureau continues its steady commitment in public service, MGB will be able to become a forefront in aiding the nation’s road back to economic recovery.
Recognition was given to the employees for their years of unfaltering service through the handing of Loyalty Service Awards and Plaque of Appreciation to Retired Employees, which called by Mr. Rey Fallasgon from the Administration Division. Before formally ending the program, a virtual and light-hearted message from Engr. Rodolfo L. Velasco, Jr., former Chief of the Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division (MSESDD), was played. Engr. Velasco quickly recalled how he started in MGB (then called Bureau of Mines and Geosciences) up until he became division chief of MSESDD. He shares the steady principle he carried with him in his career and answered what he’ll do during his retirement truthfully—that fact that it is still unknown even to him, so he will just go with whatever is meant to happen. He notes he will never forget his unusual retirement during a pandemic and relayed his gratefulness to colleagues and staff during his time in MGB. He affirms he will never truly leave the mining industry and he is, and forever will be, a mining engineer.
By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division
Representatives and key officials who were present in the MGB commemoration venue.