126th Founding Anniversary of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau: Celebrating a rich heritage in mineral resources and geosciences advancements

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII participated in the celebration of the 126th Founding Anniversary of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau with the theme Embracing Geosciences Solutions for Climate-Smart Mining via virtual platform on November 29, 2024. Spearheaded by the MGB Central Office, the said event celebrated and affirmed the MGB’s rich heritage in mineral resources and geosciences advancements. At the event, the keynote message was delivered by DENR Assistant Secretary for Mining Concerns and concurrent MGB OIC-Director, Engr. Michael V. Cabalda. At the MGB Regional Office No. XIII Training Center, Regional Director Larry M. Heradez, Division Chiefs and MGBEA Region XIII Chapter Officers led the giving of Loyalty Award Plaques to the following employees in recognition of their dedicated government service: 25 years in service Ana Diosell S. Bajao Carl Orven C. Eludo Samuel J. Jamen James R. Jaron Ronnie R. Juarez Evangelino M. Morales, Jr. continue reading : 126th Founding Anniversary of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau: Celebrating a rich heritage in mineral resources and geosciences advancements

70th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference: Forging a Sustainable Future through Endurance and Innovation

The Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association, in cooperation with the DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, the Philippine Society of Mining Engineers, the minerals industry and other professional organizations, held the 70th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference with the theme Endurance with Innovation for Sustainability on November 19 to 22, 2024 in Baguio City. The Opening Program and Mining Exhibit took place on November 20 at the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center.  It was followed by the Community Relations Conference which featured various presentations on the extensive social development efforts of the minerals industry on the same grounds. With the theme, Transforming Community Relations for a Sustainable Tomorrow, the said conference was graced by no less than Ambassador Harald Fries, Head of Mission of the Embassy of Sweden in Manila.  Moreover, the youth learning event called 9th Yaman Congress was held continue reading : 70th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference: Forging a Sustainable Future through Endurance and Innovation

MGB ROXIII GAD Focal Point System spearheads Learning Event for Employees

In keeping with the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, the Gender and Development Focal Point System of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII conducted a full-day Learning Event for Employees on November 28, 2024 at the MGB Regional Office No. XIII Training Center in Surigao City. At the program, Regional Director Larry M. Heradez delivered the Welcome Remarks. He encouraged the participants to contribute to the collective effort of fostering a safe and equitable society for all. The morning session featured the presentation on Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health Matters by Ms. Kristyflor A. Fajarito and Ms. Esther Faith B. Montilla of Caraga State University. For the afternoon session, Atty. Geramer Vere Durato of Public Attorney’s Office-Surigao City District gave an Orientation on Republic Act 11313 (Safe Spaces Act) to promote the building of a harassment-free workplace. The 18-Day Campaign to End VAW supports the continue reading : MGB ROXIII GAD Focal Point System spearheads Learning Event for Employees

MGB ROXIII supports PH-EITI 2024 Regional Roadshow

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII supported the Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PH-EITI) 2024 Regional Roadshow on September 25 to 26, 2024 at Almont Inland Resort in Butuan City. With the theme Bridging Transparency: Empowering Local Voices in Natural Resource Governance, the roadshow aimed to elevate the voices of local communities and intensify awareness of their critical role in promoting sustainable natural resource management. The roadshows are designed to foster direct and dynamic interactions among stakeholders, bridging the gap between national policy frameworks and local realities, and ensuring that the benefits of extractive industries are equitably shared.  Extractive stakeholders from Regions X, XI, XII, and XIII participated in the activity which is the third leg of the 2024 Regional Roadshows. The following Caraga mining companies reported to the PH-EITI for FY 2021 with a total production value of around PHP24.933 Billion: AAM-PHIL Natural Resources Exploration and continue reading : MGB ROXIII supports PH-EITI 2024 Regional Roadshow

MGB ROXIII takes part in Geological Studies and Mineral Exploration of Philippine Rise and Celebes Sea Regions Project

In line with the Geological Studies and Mineral Exploration of Philippine Rise and Celebes Sea Regions Project of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the Marine Geological Survey Division (MGSD) of MGB Central Office has conducted the Geological Studies and Mineral Exploration of Visayan Sea, Camotes Sea, Leyte Gulf and eastern portions of Bohol Sea including Butuan Bay on board the RPS Explorer covering the period of August 1 to September 20, 2024. The primary objectives of the Project include the following: • Conduct of research and exploration in Philippine Rise (PHR) and Celebes Sea Regions (CSR) in order to determine their geology and economic potentials; • Delineation of areas with placer mineral deposits particularly gold, platinum, titanium, iron, scandium (other rare metals), hydrothermal vent systems and ferromanganese nodules and determination of the occurrence, concentration, genesis and ore reserves of polymetallic sulphides and other deep-sea mineral deposits within the PHR and CSR; continue reading : MGB ROXIII takes part in Geological Studies and Mineral Exploration of Philippine Rise and Celebes Sea Regions Project

MGB ROXIII conducts Training-Workshop on Safety and Health for Small-Scale Miners

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII, through its Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development Division, conducted a Training-Workshop on Safety and Health for Small-Scale Miners in the Declared Minahang Bayan of Nagkahiusang Gagmayng Mag-uuma Association (NGMA) on September 5, 2024 in Barangay Magsaysay, Municipality of Placer, Province of Surigao del Norte. Aimed at enhancing the small-scale miners’ safety and health protocols and guidelines in their workplace with an emphasis on identifying and controlling work dangers, the training-workshop comprised interactive training activities covering topics such as emergency response procedures, safe mining techniques, and the importance and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).   At the activity, the MGB personnel highlighted the need for establishing a proactive approach to reduce risk in mining operations by discussing the laws regulating the safety and health in small-scale mining in adherence to the Department Administrative Order No. 1997-30, otherwise known as continue reading : MGB ROXIII conducts Training-Workshop on Safety and Health for Small-Scale Miners

MGB ROXIII Chemists participate in 38th Philippine Chemistry Congress and 2024 International Conference on Chemistry

The Chemists of Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII participated in the 38th Philippine Chemistry Congress and 2024 International Conference on Chemistry on July 22 to 24, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City. The theme of this year’s event is CHEMINNOVATION: Sustaining a Better Tomorrow – New Ideas, New Developments, New Technologies. Spearheaded by the Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas (The Chemical Society of the Philippines), the event gathered scientists and researchers from the academe, industry, and government who shared a common interest in chemistry and its application in various fields. The conference comprised plenary and parallel sessions, exhibits and poster viewings, eco-tours, equipment supplier presentations and marketing.  Topics on chemistry innovations in the following branches of knowledge were featured: Analytical and Surface Science Natural Products Physical Chemistry and Instrumentation Synthetic Science Electrochemistry Inorganic Chemistry Materials Science and Nanoscience Chemometric Science Polymers Environmental Science Food Nuclear continue reading : MGB ROXIII Chemists participate in 38th Philippine Chemistry Congress and 2024 International Conference on Chemistry

MGB ROXIII carries on with IEC Campaign on Small-Scale Mining and Training on Occupational Safety and Health in Agusan del Sur

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 continue reading : MGB ROXIII carries on with IEC Campaign on Small-Scale Mining and Training on Occupational Safety and Health in Agusan del Sur

Ceremonial Acceptance and Signing of the Declaration of Minahang Bayan of Gacub Settlers Multi-Purpose Cooperative: Marking progress in Caraga minerals industry

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur conducted the Ceremonial Acceptance and Signing of the Declaration of Minahang Bayan of Gacub Settlers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (GSMPC) on July 30, 2024 at the Provincial Learning Center, GDOP Government Center in Barangay Patin-ay, Municipality of Prosperidad, Province of Agusan del Sur. At the event, Prosperidad Mayor Frederick Mark P. Mellana delivered the Welcome Remarks, expressing his appreciation to all guests and participants for their presence and support.  Key messages were also delivered by For. Ronulfo R. Paler, Provincial Administrator of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur, and Engr. Larry M. Heradez, Regional Director of MGB Regional Office No. XIII, emphasizing sustainable mining practices and community benefits.  An insightful presentation on the history, challenges, and achievements of GSMPC was also given by Engr. Charmaine G. Llacuna. The highlight of the event was the continue reading : Ceremonial Acceptance and Signing of the Declaration of Minahang Bayan of Gacub Settlers Multi-Purpose Cooperative: Marking progress in Caraga minerals industry

MGB ROXIII participates in Annual Legal Forum

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII participated in the Annual Legal Forum on July 17 to 20, 2024 at Madison Park Hotel in Tacloban City. Facilitated by MGB Regional Office No. VIII, the forum aimed to maintain the efficiency of the MGB officials and personnel in implementing laws, rules and regulations, and policies related to the rule of procedures for environmental cases.  In addition, it aimed to prepare these officials and personnel to serve as Expert/Competent Witnesses in Court. The forum was attended by representatives from the MGB Regional Offices namely Regional Directors, Mine Management Division Chiefs, Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division Chiefs, Legal Officers and Mining Claims Examiners.  From the MGB Central Office, the Director, Division Chiefs, Legal Staff, and Records Management Representatives attended the said forum. The event commenced with the opening remarks of Engr. Glenn Marcelo C. Noble, Regional Director of MGB continue reading : MGB ROXIII participates in Annual Legal Forum