Philippine Red Cross Molecular Laboratory in Surigao del Norte: A Story of Cooperation in Victory and Development

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte and other partner stakeholders, spearheaded the Blessing and Inauguration of the PRC Molecular Laboratory on January 13, 2021 at Km. 9, Barangay Bonifacio, Surigao City. Bishop Antonieto D. Cabahug, D.D. of the Diocese of Surigao led the blessing rites of the PRC Molecular Laboratory.  Congressman Francisco Jose Matugas II of the 1st District of Surigao del Norte; Provincial Vice Governor Eddie “Geed” Gokiangkee, Jr. of Surigao del Norte; Mayor Ernesto U. Matugas, Jr. of Surigao City; Ms. Genevieve P. Chua, Community Relations Manager of THPAL Nickel Corporation; and Mr. Jose Bayani Baylon, Vice President for Corporate Communications of Nickel Asia Corporation delivered messages at the event.  Department of Health Caraga Regional Director Jose Llacuna Jr., Philippine Red Cross-Surigao del Norte Chairman Arturo Carlos A. Egay, Jr., Philippine Red Cross-Surigao del Norte Chapter Administrator Marilou E. continue reading : Philippine Red Cross Molecular Laboratory in Surigao del Norte: A Story of Cooperation in Victory and Development

MGB ROXIII conducts Virtual IEC Campaign on the Results of Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Project and Training-Workshop on Understanding Risk Exposure Maps

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office (RO) No. XIII conducted its virtual Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign on the Results of Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) Project and Training-Workshop on Understanding Risk Exposure Maps via Zoom Platform on December 14-16, 2020 for the Municipalities of Lanuza, Madrid and Marihatag, Province of Surigao del Sur.  Prior to the virtual IEC Campaign, a pre-coordination meeting via Zoom Platform was conducted for the said municipalities on December 9. Due to the prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic, MGB RO No. XIII has adjusted its protocol in order to conduct the IEC virtually.  This shift to a virtual medium will allow the Office to fully realize the IEC objectives while ensuring the safety of both the LGU participants and the MGB team. The IEC Campaign aimed to intensify awareness and provide additional technical input to the Local Government Unit (LGU) regarding Risk continue reading : MGB ROXIII conducts Virtual IEC Campaign on the Results of Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Project and Training-Workshop on Understanding Risk Exposure Maps

MGB ROXIII supports 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women

The Gender and Development Focal Point System (GADFPS) of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office (RO) No. XIII supported the National Government’s 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW). With the theme “VAW-free Community Starts with ME,” the campaign supports the National Government’s goal to protect the rights of women and children and its commitments to address all forms of gender-based violence.  While the campaign comes at a most challenging time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it continues to underscore the significant roles of individuals in fighting violence against women and girls which can be achieved by empowering individuals to know and claim their rights and to educate them where to seek help in cases of violence. The MGB RO No. XIII GADFPS conducted a GAD Seminar in the morning of December 4, 2020 via Zoom Platform with the employees as participants.  On behalf of Regional Director continue reading : MGB ROXIII supports 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women

MGB ROXIII carries out stockpile validation

Caraga Region is one of the gateways of commerce and trade. The minerals industry in the region has contributed a significant percentage of taxes to the Philippine economy. A vital part of mining operations is the export of mine ores. The transport of all minerals/mineral products and by-products, including gold bullions, by permit holders, contractors, accredited traders, retailers, processors and other mining rights holders must be accompanied by an Ore Transport Permit (OTP) and Mineral Ore Export Permit (MOEP) issued by the Regional Director concerned or his/her duly authorized representative pursuant to Section 117 of Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order No. 2010-21 (Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 7942, otherwise known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.) The validation of stockpile is one of the requirements in the application for OTP to corroborate that there is enough ore mined/produced by the certain mining company for continue reading : MGB ROXIII carries out stockpile validation

Caraga MRFC meetings and MMT inspections carry on amidst the pandemic

The Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committees (MRFCs) and the Multi-partite Monitoring Teams (MMTs) of Caraga mining companies have carried on with their respective duties by conducting regular and special meetings and inspections amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. It may be recalled that the MRFC is a body that consists of private and public entities. One of its major duties and responsibilities is to ensure that the approved Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP)/Annual EPEP (AEPEP) of the mining and mineral processing projects shall be strictly implemented. The MRFC deputizes the MMT as its monitoring arm.  The MRFC meetings and MMT inspections are regularly conducted quarterly for operating companies and semi-annually for non-operating companies. The unprecedented effects of the pandemic, which include a series of lockdowns and quarantine protocols, hampered the conduct of the meetings and inspections.  In response to the current situation, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) released Regional Memorandum Order continue reading : Caraga MRFC meetings and MMT inspections carry on amidst the pandemic

MGB ROXIII takes part in 62nd Regular Session of Surigao del Norte Sangguniang Panlalawigan

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII took part in the 62nd Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Surigao del Norte on September 14, 2020 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall in Surigao City. At the said session presided by Board Member Cayetano L. Recabo, Regional Director Glenn Marcelo C. Noble presented the Caraga Minerals Industry Updates with emphasis on Surigao del Norte.  RD Noble walked the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Members through the Minerals Industry Statistics, Environmental and Social Development Commitments and Compliances and discussed them at length.  He underscored that the Caraga minerals industry’s implementation of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program and the Social Development and Management Program affirms its compliance with all existing laws and policies, environmental preservation efforts and commitment to the socioeconomic advancement of mining and non-mining communities. On the same note, RD Noble gave an account of the all-out support of continue reading : MGB ROXIII takes part in 62nd Regular Session of Surigao del Norte Sangguniang Panlalawigan

MGB ROXIII advocates Towards Sustainable Mining Program

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office (RO) No. XIII advocated the Mindanao Rollout of Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Program on August 26, 2020 via Zoom Platform.  TSM Initiative Leaders representing member-companies with Mindanao-based projects participated in the said rollout which was organized by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines and the TSM Community of Interest Panel of Advisory in cooperation with the Canadian Embassy Trade Mission. Regional Director Glenn Marcelo C. Noble was invited to grace the rollout and deliver words of encouragement.  In his speech, RD Noble stated that the adoption of TSM in the country is indeed a milestone for the Philippine minerals industry as this will be the journey towards accountability, transparency and credibility which are the core strengths of the TSM Program. He added that the implementation of the TSM Program would greatly improve the image of the minerals industry and ensure that continue reading : MGB ROXIII advocates Towards Sustainable Mining Program

MGB ROXIII conducts Coastal Geohazard Vulnerability Assessment and Mapping

With the completion of the 1:10,000 Scale Coastal Geohazard Assessment Project, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office No. XIII is presently conducting coastal vulnerability assessment and mapping on the country’s coastal areas with identified high accretion and erosion susceptibility. A team of Geologists and Geologic Aide had conducted Coastal Vulnerability Assessment and Mapping in the Municipalities of Gigaquit and Bacuag, Surigao del Norte. The fieldwork consists of two phases which will be held during the monsoon season of habagat (southwest monsoon) and amihan (northeast monsoon). Phase 1 was already completed on August 17-22, 2020 wherein the team accomplished the undertaking in two municipalities consisting of five coastal barangays, namely Barangays Ipil, Alambique, and Anibongan in the Municipality of Gigaquit and Barangays Cabugao and Poblacion in the Municipality of Bacuag. The activities for the Coastal Vulnerability Assessment and Mapping in the municipality includes Coastal Integrity Vulnerability Assessment Tool (CIVAT), continue reading : MGB ROXIII conducts Coastal Geohazard Vulnerability Assessment and Mapping

MGB ROXIII plays a part in strengthening women participation in resilient development

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office (RO) No. XIII played a part in the Webinar on Pursuing Climate-, Gender-, and Health-responsive Mineral Resources Development Programs via Zoom Platform on August 12, 2020. The said webinar is the last of the seven-part webinar series which was hosted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) National Gender and Development Focal Point System and Climate Change Service. It was attended by the Directors, GAD Focal Persons and Planning Chiefs of the DENR Central Office Services, Bureaus and Attached Agencies and the Regional Executive Directors, GAD Focal Persons, Climate Change Focal Persons, Planning Chiefs, and Regional Public Affairs Officers of DENR Regional Offices. From the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and Environmental Management Bureau Regional Offices, Regional Directors, GAD Focal Persons, Climate Change Focal Persons, Planning Chiefs, and Regional Environmental Education and Information Officers also took part in the said activity. continue reading : MGB ROXIII plays a part in strengthening women participation in resilient development

Caraga mining firms planted 1.43 million seedlings for 2019 Mining Forest Program

In an effort to carry on with its intensive reforestation program, Caraga mining firms have planted a total of 1,435,442 seedlings and reforested more than 751.96 hectares of mined-out areas, buffer zones, mangroves and other applicable planting sites in CY 2019.  Caraga mining firms have implemented the Mining Forest Program (MFP) pursuant to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order (DAO) No. 22, series of 1989.  The MFP, originally the Adopt-A-Tree Adopt-A-Mining Forest Program, was initiated in 1989 and requires the establishment of mining forests within mined-out areas, waste dumps, denuded and sparsely vegetated lands and areas adopted by the mining firms through a Memorandum of Agreement. As of December 2019, twenty-nine (29) mining firms have planted a total area of 8,269 hectares with more than 12 billion seedlings of indigenous and exotic species including mangrove propagules since the MFP started in the region back in 1990. continue reading : Caraga mining firms planted 1.43 million seedlings for 2019 Mining Forest Program