PMRB Agusan del Norte convenes Regular Meeting

The Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) of Agusan del Norte convened its Regular Meeting on January 27, 2021 at Red Palm Suites and Restaurant in Butuan City. Engr. Glenn Marcelo C. Noble, Regional Director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office (RO) No. XIII, presided over the meeting in his capacity as the PMRB Chairman.  The regular members of the PMRB were in attendance – Mr. Alberto T. Endozo, Jr., PMRB Vice Chairman; Engr. Verlin Marie M. Baldapan and Engr. Ernesto T. Calzar, MGB RO No. XIII Representatives; Mr. Crisnorman S. Linconada, Large-scale Mining Sector Representative; Mr. Florante O. Perez, Small-scale Mining Sector Representative; Atty. Gil M. Cembrano, Sand and Gravel Permit Holders Representative; Mr. Jonathan P. Caga-anan, Environmental Non-governmental Organization Representative;  Ms. Adela G. Antiga, OIC-Chief of Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and Mses. Marina S. Trillo and Romina C. Altorino, Secretariat.  Other participants included Atty. Roberto continue reading : PMRB Agusan del Norte convenes Regular Meeting

CMEMCI, MGB ROXIII hold Turnover Ceremony and Induction of Officers

The Caraga Mine Environmental Management Council, Inc. (CMEMCI), in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office (RO) No. XIII, held a virtual cum face-to-face Turnover Ceremony and Induction of new CMEMCI Officers on January 25, 2021 at MGB RO No. XIII Training Center. The ceremony highlighted the accomplishments and activities of CMEMCI with different organizations and government agencies from CY 2015-2019 presented by the outgoing CMEMCI President, Engr. Robert T. Francisco. It was then followed by the distribution of Service Awards to the outgoing Officers, namely Engr. Robert T. Francisco, President;  EnP. Jesalyn A. Guingguing, Vice President;  EnP. Alex C. Canonoy, Secretary;  Ms. Yones Rae A. Lumba, Treasurer; and Mr. Shaun L. Guingguing, Auditor.  The outgoing Board of Directors, namely EnP. Jjam S. Cutillas, Provincial Representative of Dinagat Islands;  EnP. Jameson O. Bandala, Provincial Representative of Surigao del Norte;  For. Manuel A. Torres, Provincial Representative of Surigao continue reading : CMEMCI, MGB ROXIII hold Turnover Ceremony and Induction of Officers

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

MGB ROXIII celebrates 2020 Mining Month

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII celebrated the 2020 Mining Month with the theme “Mina, Sandigan ng Ekonomiya sa Panahon ng Pandemya” on November 26, 2020 at the MGB RO No. XIII Training Center in Surigao City. The said activity aimed to show the resilience and socioeconomic contributions of the minerals industry during the most challenging times.  It was also conducted in keeping with the traditional Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference in Baguio City which was not held this year due to the current pandemic. In the same way, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau marked its 122nd Founding Anniversary on November 29. In the morning, the Blessing of the Caraga Mining and Geosciences Library was held.  It was then followed by the Judging of the Terrarium Gardening and Photography Competitions which aimed to recognize the significant role of the minerals industry in authentic progress and continue reading : MGB ROXIII celebrates 2020 Mining Month

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