Following the Ceremonial Acceptance and Signing of the Declaration of Minahang Bayan of Gacub Settlers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII conducted an Information, Education and Communication Campaign on Small-Scale Mining and Training on Occupational Safety and Health on August 1, 2024 in Barangay La Purisima, Municipality of Prosperidad, Province of Agusan del Sur, marking a series of milestones for the local mining community.
A collaborative effort of the Municipal Local Government of Prosperidad, the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board of Agusan del Sur, and the MGB Regional Office No. XIII, the activity aimed to educate and train the residents of Barangay La Purisima on the fundamentals of small-scale mining and occupational safety and health.
At the activity, Hon. Artemio Timon, Barangay Captain of La Purisima, delivered the Welcome Remarks. The morning session featured presentations on Geohazard Assessment by Mr. Xavier Jay A. Egay, DENR Administrative Order No. 97-30, known as the Small-Scale Mining Safety Rules and Regulations by Engr. Ezra Angel R. Lalisan-Arizala and Applying for Small-Scale Mining Contracts and Mineral Processing Licenses by Engr. Jessica T. Pacete. Following these presentations, Engr. Robbymelailen Natividad of PMRB Agusan del Sur discussed the Small-Scale Mining License.
In the same vein, the afternoon session focused on the preparation of essential work programs for small-scale mining. Engr. Jerry Sanchez presented the Annual Safety and Health Program; Ms. Rizzalie Lou Joice Romanos discussed the Potential Environmental Impact Management Plan; and Engr. Diana Jean Dano talked about the Community Development and Management Plan. In addition, the Gold Buying Program was presented by Engr. Johannes A. Bantugan from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, providing valuable insights into the economic aspects of small-scale mining.
The activity concluded with the Closing Remarks of For. Christopher Ladaga, MENRO-designate of Prosperidad, thanking everyone for their active participation. These events marked significant steps towards promoting sustainable and responsible small-scale mining in Agusan del Sur.
