The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII participated in the National Summit for the Presentation of the Recent Proposed Amendments of Republic Act (RA) No. 7076 or the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991 and the 4th Assembly of the National Coalition of Small-Scale Miners in the Philippines Incorporated (NCSSMPI), which was held on August 2 to 5, 2023 at The Farm, Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, South Cotabato.
The said event was spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Assistant Secretary for Finance, Information Systems and Mining Concerns, Engr. Nonita S. Caguioa, in partnership with the NCSSMPI headed by its President, Mr. Gil N. Indino. Thirty-three small-scale mining associations and cooperatives have participated in the National Summit, together with the representatives from the MGB Central Office and Regional Offices.
On the first day of the summit, the organizing committee, together with some selected delegates, paid a courtesy call on Mayor Keo Dale S. Tuan of the municipal government of T’boli, South Cotabato. A site visit to a certain small-scale mining processing plant was then conducted with the assistance of the Municipal Federation of Small-Scale Miners of T’boli.
The two-day summit proper was highlighted with a series of informative presentations and engaging discussions on the best practices and initiatives of small-scale miners, recent programs and initiatives of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Cebuana Lhuillier for the small-scale miners, empowerment of women miners, and the proposed revision of RA 7076. To conclude the activity, a General Assembly was held by the National Coalition. Mr. Indino stated the invaluable contributions of artisanal and small-scale mining to economic growth and employment opportunities, yet the government and other stakeholders must continuously work together to address the challenging issues on small-scale mining which includes subsistence conditions, decent work deficits, and non-compliance with occupational safety and health standards.