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 the “Smalle-Scale Mine Safety and Health Standards”.
One of the activity’s main highlights is the workshop on Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Control (HIRAC) which is designed to assess and enhance the miners’ understanding and use of safety measures in their daily activities. The workshop allowed miners to actively participate in practical exercises where they were tasked to identify the potential hazards in their workplace, provide the associated risks, and develop appropriate control measures. This hands-on approach not only assessed their existing knowledge but also equipped them with practical skills that can be immediately applied to their daily activities.
The activity was participated by 85 small-scale miners, headed by the NGMA President, Mr. Edwin Namilit, together with the Board of Directors and the miners from NGMA.
Placer Mayor Jovymarie C. Villazon and Placer Vice Mayor Ryan Fel B. Napuli graced the activity. They both expressed their gratitude to the Regional Bureau for the conduct of the said training-workshop. Mayor Villazon also emphasized the importance of self-awareness in order to successfully achieve a safe and healthy work environment within the small-scale mining area.
Moreover, Mr. Namilit expressed his gratitude to the Regional Bureau for the continued support and commitment to improve safety standards in the small-scale mining sector. He reminded everyone that achieving a safe and healthy workplace may be challenging but it is possible. He also noted that the Minahang Bayan could possibly offer greater support to the community in the future, similar to the support that their larger counterpart provides. This initiative is part of MGB’s ongoing commitment to support and empower small-scale miners with the knowledge and skills needed for safe and sustainable mining operations.