MGB VI FY 2024 accomplishments validated by an Integrated Regional Field Assessment and Validation System

The DENR Performance Assessment Teams (PATs) and MGB Central Office Validators through the Policy, Planning, and Internal Affairs Division rigorously validated the accomplishments, programs, and activities of MGB Region VI for an Integrated Regional Field Assessment and Validation System of ENR Management. The assessment took place on March 10-14, 2025, involving a thorough evaluation of the means of verification (MOVs) and various aspects of the agency’s operations to verify 2024 Accomplishments including the building and infrastructure assessment, audit of financial records, the ease of doing business, the processes and on-site assessment. During the validation, the team from MGB Central Office headed by Planning Officer III Ralph Vasquez, checked the reported accomplishments of every division with corresponding documentation, examined the financial records and assessed the office premises to make sure that the operation of the Bureau is executed in accordance with standards. As part of the validation, the team also evaluated ICT-related activities of the office such as the ICT Equipment’s Inventory, the ICT Preventive and Corrective Maintenance, and the Network Infrastructure Management. Moreover, relative to the validation process, the team did an on-site assessment with one of MGB VI stakeholders, the Montepiedra Aggregates Corporation located at Brgy. Nipa, Concepcion, Iloilo. During their visit, they were able to assess the key activities and work programs, the social development efforts, and documents to verify accuracy of reported accomplishments and most importantly, the monitoring of compliance with SHES policies. The findings during the validation were carefully presented and elaborated by the MGB Central Office validation team during the exit conference held at DENR Region VI on March 14, 2024, together with the... read more

MGB RO6 Regional Director Cecilia L. Ochavo-Saycon attends the Women in Extractive Forum 2025

Mines and Geosciences Bureau RO6 (MGB 6) Regional Director Cecilia L. Ochavo-Saycon attends the Women in Extractive Forum 2025 with the theme “Mining Her Own Business: Elevating Women’s Voices in Natural Resource Governance” co-hosted by the Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PH-EITI) and the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) on March 18, 2025 at the Penthouse Ballroom, Lepanto Building in Makati City. In an article of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, “the Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (Philippine EITI) in collaboration with the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines and Mines and Geosciences Bureau through the MGB GAD Focal Point System organized a significant forum on March 18, 2025, at the Penthouse Ballroom, Lepanto Building in Makati City, with the theme ‘Mining Her Own Business: Elevating Women’s Voices in Natural Resource Governance.’ By highlighting the vital role that women play in the extractive sectors, the event sought to advance gender inclusion and equitable resource management as crucial elements of the governance of natural resources. As part of the celebrations for Women’s Month, this initiative highlights the growing acknowledgement of women’s contributions to fields that have historically been dominated by... read more

MGB Region VI Personnel joins DOST-PHIVOLCS InfoPress to Improve Disaster Communication

Iloilo City – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office VI attends the DOST-PHIVOLCS InfoPress: Understanding and Communicating Kanlaon Volcano Hazards and DOST-PHIVOLCS Information Products on February 19, 2025, at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol, Bacolod City. MGB Region VI Geologist II, John Eric N. Ramos and Administrative Clerk III, Catherine A. Española who assists in implementing the Bureau’s Communication Plan attended the Seminar as representatives of MGB Region VI. DOST-PHIVOLCS spearheaded the activity with goals of improving public understanding, preparedness, and response to volcanic hazards posed by Kanlaon Volcano to all media practitioners and public information officers based in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. The seminar commenced at 8:00 AM with an opening message by Engr. Allan Francis P. Dara-ug, DOST Negros Occidental PSTO Provincial S&T Director, followed by the Rationale and Introduction of the DOST-PHIVOLCS by Dr. Teresito C. Bacolcol, DOST-PHIVOLCS Director.   According to Dr. Bacolcol in his message, “We’re gathered here today for a very important reason, to make sure that the information we share about natural hazards and earthquakes, volcanic hazards and tsunamis is accurate, timely and easy to understand. Why? Because clear and correct information saves lives”. With emphasis on clear and correct information, the DOST-PHIVOLCS InfoPress is a timely respond to the need in communicating effectively the volcanic hazards posed by Kanlaon Volcano. It enriches the knowledge and in-depth understanding of media practitioners and information officers about volcanic hazards in time of crisis and how they relay this to the public.  At the seminar’s session, various topics were discussed by the speakers from DOST-PHIVOLCS. On the first half of the activity, Chief Science... read more

RD Cecilia L. Ochavo-Saycon confirmed as Director II

Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office VI Regional Director Cecilia L. Ochavo-Saycon took her oath of office as Director II effective February 17, 2025. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Antonia Loyzaga-Yulo administered the oath of office during the flag ceremony and Monday morning program held at the DENR central office compound in Quezon City. MGB VI personnel extended their heartfelt congratulations to RD Ochavo-Saycon who has served MGB VI as the Finance and Administrative Division Chief and OIC, Regional Director. MGB VI personnel has this message to RD Ochavo-Saycon: “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to your well-deserved conferment as Director II. Your dedication and consistent commitment to delivering your best in your duties have been evident all throughout the years of your unwavering service and leadership in your past assignments as Finance and Administrative Division Chief, and OIC, Regional Director of MGB VI. You are a living embodiment of courage, diligence, and integrity. We celebrate with you as you step into this new chapter of your leadership. We are proud of... read more

MGB VI new entrants took their oath of office

(Iloilo City)  – MGB RO VI Regional Director Cecilia L. Ochavo-Saycon administered the oath of office of three personnel as regular employees on February 10, 2025 at the MGB VI office namely, Engr. Mark Victor Gierran (Engineer II), Engr. Van Justine Podiotan (Engineer II), and Ms. Joanne May Temblador (Administrative Assistant I).  Formerly employed under a Contract of Service (CoS), they  are now promoted as permanent employees covered by the Civil Service Rules and Regulations.  Also present during the oath-taking ceremony are Mr. Glenn Umipig, OIC Finance and Administrative Division and Engr. Errol Fuentes, OIC Mine Management Division.  MGB VI extends its welcome and congratulations to the three personnel! (MGB... read more