The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII conducted the Virtual Information, Education and Communication Campaign entitled Awareness and Advocacy of Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program in Caraga Minerals Industry on June 30, 2021 via Zoom Platform.
The activity is conducted in keeping with the 2021 Philippine Environment Month Celebration with the theme “Sama-samang Pagkilos, Sama-samang Paghilom. Ikaw, Ako, Tayo ang Kalikasan.” In the same vein, it aims to intensify the participants’ awareness of the regulatory functions of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau particularly the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program.
On behalf of OIC-Regional Director Larry M. Heradez, MGB RO No. XIII Chief Geologist Romeo M. Dalodado delivered the Welcome Remarks. It was followed by the Rationale which was imparted by Engr. Roland Joie G. Geli, Engineer II and MGB RO No. XIII Principal Youth Desk Officer. Messages were also delivered by OIC- Regional Director Heradez and Dr. Queen Ann M. Navallo, Assistant School Principal II of Surigao del Norte National High School.
The morning session featured the following presentations: Forest and Mining by For. Enjie G. Pacillos-Cañete and Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program by Ms. Christie Q. Asumen-Apale.
For the afternoon session, the following presentations were given: Solid Waste Management Implementation of Surigao City by Engr. Elmer Cayasa-Tecson, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Surigao City ENR Office and Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program from Ridge to Reef: Transforming the mines into an agroforestry-ecotourism area by EnP. Jesalyn Abonates-Guingguing, Tenement and Environmental Manager of Agata Mining Ventures, Inc.
After the presentations, an open forum ensued wherein the participants raised issues and concerns related to the topics presented.
A TV commercial, Kutsara, and an online advertisement, Minsan Kitang Minahan, produced by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau for its #MineResponsibility Campaign, along with award-winning environmental videos produced by Caraga mining firms, were viewed by the participants during the virtual activity. For the intermission number, Engr. Erthelgin Joy A. Jarabe of Platinum Group Metals Corporation gave her rendition of the song called Paraiso and her award-winning composition entitled Laging Tandaan.
Towards the end of the activity, the Officer-in-Charge of the MGB RO No. XIII Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division, Engr. Francis Glenn N. Suante, delivered the Closing Remarks.
Select faculty members and students of Surigao del Norte National High School headed by School Principal IV, Mr. Jose Gil L. Escabal; Barangay Washington of Surigao City Officials headed by Barangay Captain, Hon. Christopher T. Bonite; personnel of Masabong Village Small-Scale Mining Association, Inc. headed by Ms. Luzminda F. Martinez and Brgy. Sta. Cruz Small-Scale Mining Association, Inc. headed by Mr. Panfilo C. Dubluis; and MGB RO No. XIII personnel led by OIC-Regional Director Heradez keenly participated in the activity.
