The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. 6 (MGB RO-6) spearheaded a seminar-workshop to draft the Manual of Operations for the use of the Multi-partite Monitoring Team (MMT) for mining and quarrying projects in the provinces of Region 6 and Negros Occidental, Negros Island Region.
Thirty eight (38) members of the Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee (MRFC) and Multi-partite Monitoring Teams from the in Region 6 and Negros Occidental, Negros Island Region participated in the activity held on July 14-15, 2016 at the Iloilo Grand Hotel.
Engr. Rene de la Cruz, Chief of the Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division of the MGB RO-6 said that the drafting of a Manual of Operations for MMTs is in line with the harmonization of the implementation of the Philippine Environmental Impact System and the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 for mining projects as mandated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order No. 2015-02.
He added that harmonizing environmental and mining laws and policies is part of the DENR’s continuous pursuit in addressing the environmental impacts and safety concerns in mining operations.
Regional Director Atty. Jonathan Bulos and other resource persons from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 6 discussed the salient provisions of environmental laws covering mining projects.
Mr. Wilfredo J. Homicillada, Executive Director of PROCESS Foundation, a non-government organization and a member of the MRFC in the province of Iloilo facilitated the 2-day workshop. He said that the output of the workshop is a draft of the MMT Manual of Operations at the provincial level subject for the approval of the Regional MRFC.
MMTs from different provinces gathered to draft their Manual of Operations that will provide standard guidelines, operating procedures and protocol in monitoring mining projects specifically those that were issued with permits by the provincial government in line with the devolved functions of the MGB. These LGU-issued permits cover sand and gravel (industrial and commercial) projects of not more than five hectares, quarry and small scale mining.
Team Leaders of the MMTs of each province shared their experiences on the field when monitoring mining projects, and the problems and difficulties they face in performing their functions.
MGB RO-6 Regional Director Leo Van V. Juguan said that the drafting of the Manual of Operations for the MMT and eventually adopting it will address the need for clear-cut guidelines in the monitoring of mining projects. He emphasized that harmonizing environmental concerns with mining laws and policies in the MMT Manual of Operations is a key in ensuring that we are in the right direction in our pursuit of responsible mining. (MGB RO-6)