The Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII conducted an orientation to thoroughly brief identified technical experts from different national line agencies, academes and non-government organizations on Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) Guidelines and Implementation on January 19, 2016 at the MGB Training Center in Surigao City. The technical experts are tasked to evaluate the five-year and/or Annual Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) of mining companies. The expertise of the identified technical experts plays a vital role in the evaluation and refinement of the content of the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP).
Engr. Daniel S. Belderol delivered the welcome address before the orientation. The rationale of the activity and the status of mining in Caraga were discussed by Engr. Francis Glenn N. Suante. Ms. Mary Luz E. Pomoy presented the timeline and evolution of SDMP while Mr. Elecito E. Escuyos laid emphasis on the goal, formulation process and implementation of SDMP.
The orientation aims to streamline and enhance the implementation of SDMP through community empowerment by equipping the people with attitude, skills and knowledge in order to achieve economic independence; strike a balance between mining-related activities and sustainable development with due consideration to social responsibility; strengthen cooperation and collaboration among mining communities and other sectors of society; and promote responsible and sustainable mining through the SDMP.
Technical experts from the following national line agencies, academes and non-government organizations participated in the said orientation:
- Department of Health (DOH) – Caraga Regional Office
- Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Caraga Regional Office
- Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Caraga Regional Office
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Caraga Regional Office
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Caraga Regional Office
- National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) – Caraga Regional Office
- Diocese of Surigao
- St. Paul University Surigao
- Caraga State University
