Iloilo City – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office VI (MGB VI), Department of Environment and Natural Resources conducted a capacity-building seminar and workshop for technical personnel responsible for standardizing the methodologies for mineral reserve validation on March 1, 2024 in Iloilo City. The participants were MGB VI technical personnel embedded at the DENR provincial offices or PENROs, and the technical personnel of the provincial environment offices in the region who are mining engineers and geologists.
Engr. Errol C. Fuentes, OIC chief of the mine management division welcomed the participants, encouraging them to seize the opportunity to learn more about the latest methodologies, techniques, and best practices in assessing and validating mineral reserves.
In her message, OIC Regional Director Cecilia L. Ochavo-Saycon underscored the importance of understanding the laws and policies governing the minerals industry, having a standardized methodology for conducting mineral reserve validation, and observing a standardized format in report-preparation.
The resource persons tackled important topics which are:
- Mineral Reserve Validation for sand and gravel and quarry projects by Engr. Kimberly A. Villa, Chief, Monitoring and Technical Services Section (MTSS)
- Report Format for Mineral Reserve Validation, by Engr. Ethylwyne Paran, Engineer II, and Mr. Khalil Shamir S. Bigtas, Science Research Specialist II of MTSS
- Memorandum Circular No. 2018-01 or the “Guidelines in the Conduct of Apprehension, Seizure, Confiscation, and Disposition of Illegally Sourced Minerals/Mineral Products and By-Products, Tools, Conveyances and Equipment Used” by Atty. R’jay L. Pestaño, MGB VI legal Officer
Strengthening the capacity of the local government to oversee mining activities within their jurisdiction through the deputaion of LGU personnel is also one of the topics in the seminar.
The mining industry is a crucial sector fundamental to economic growth and development. OIC RD Ochavo-Saycon urged the technical personnel to be objective in implementing regulations, to have no shortcuts and biases, and to ensure that no right is violated. Be like the symbol of fairness, create an environment where everybody can trust the system, OIC RD Saycon said. (MGB RO-VI)
