by mgb6iloilo | Mar 5, 2025 | Blog
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
by mgb6iloilo | Feb 24, 2025 | Blog
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
by mgb6iloilo | Feb 24, 2025 | Blog
(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
by mgb6iloilo | Feb 17, 2025 | Blog
Iloilo City – MGB Regional Office VI personnel joined the 2025 One Billion Rising Campaign on February 14, 2025, at the Freedom Grandstand, Muelle Loney Street, Iloilo City. With the theme, “Rise for Freedom” the global dance campaign was participated by other national government agencies to advocate a campaign to end violence against women including the personnel from MGB VI who dance for change. This solidarity movement is to empower women all over the world and to break the chains of abuse, exploitation, and gender-based inequalities for a world where everyone is equally protected and valued. One Billion Rising (OBR) is the biggest mass action to end violence against women (cisgender, transgender, and those who hold fluid identities that are subject to gender-based violence) in human history. The campaign, which launched on Valentine’s Day 2012, began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than ONE BILLION WOMEN AND GIRLS. (source:... read more
by mgb6iloilo | Jan 21, 2025 | Blog
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. VI conducted a Strategic Planning and Re-Orientation of Updated Workplace/Office Policies Seminar on January 17, 2025, at the Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iloilo City. The seminar was attended by MGB VI regular and contract of service personnel. The activity was designed to come-up with an organizational strategic plan to enhance productivity and efficiency in the delivery of services expected outcomes. Meanwhile, the discussions on Updated Workplace Policies was imperative to awareness and adherence of MGB VI personnel. The speakers at the event were the Planning Officer Ms. Pauline Marie C. Jordan, Acting HRMO of MGB VI Ms. Laralournie Artajo, and OIC Chief FAD Mr. Glenn L. Umipig. OIC RD Cecilia L. Ochavo-Saycon started the seminar with an opening message highlighting the importance of working in adherence to company policies and regulations, and living up to the oath committed as a government employee. In addition, she added that it is essential for public servants to be aware of what is allowed in the office and avoid committing habitual mistakes deemed prohibited by the agency. Ms. Jordan presented the MGB VI 2025 Programs and Targets and important timelines to note down for the year. The Updated Workplace/Office policies was discussed by the Acting HRMO. She did a thorough discussion of important office policies including rules in the use of leave benefits and dates of application, daily time records, proper and acceptable office attires, personnel documents including deadlines and guidelines in filling out of SALN forms, and the importance of submission of DPCR and IPCR. OIC Chief FAD, Mr. Umipig gave a brief recap of... read more
by mgb6iloilo | Dec 3, 2024 | Blog
[Iloilo City ] – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office VI (MGB VI) took part in a training on remote sensing applications for mineral exploration last November 25-28, 2024 in Metro Manila. Two geologists from MGB VI Myron Gerard Y. De Guzman and Adrian Nichol L. Lizada were among the participants to the training, which brought together geologists from the central office and regional offices of MGB nationwide. It aimed to enhance technical capabilities in utilizing remote sensing technology to identify and assess mineral resources. The program covered various remote sensing techniques, including satellite imagery analysis, spectral data interpretation, and Geographic Information System (GIS) integration. These advanced methodologies are crucial in modern mineral exploration, allowing for efficient resource mapping and environmental impact assessment. “Our knowledge ad capacity in adopting innovative technologies to improve our mineral exploration initiatives was increased through the training. Remote sensing applications provide us with valuable tools to detect potential mineral deposits with greater accuracy while minimizing environmental disruption,” MGB VI trainees said. The training, facilitated by leading experts in the field, featured hands-on exercises and case studies demonstrating real-world applications. Participants gained insights into best practices for processing and analyzing remotely sensed data to support sustainable mining development. Through this initiative, the government aims to strengthen its exploration efforts and contribute to responsible mineral resource management in the country. The bureau continues to invest in skill development and advanced technologies to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the mining sector. (MGB... read more
by mgb6iloilo | Dec 2, 2024 | Blog
Iloilo City – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) commemorated its 126th founding anniversary with a nationwide simultaneous culmination activity on November 29, 2024, honoring the bureau’s legacy as the primary government agency responsible for the conservation, management, and development of the nation’s mineral resources. In his message delivered during the program, DENR Assistant Secretary for Mining Concerns and concurrent MGB OIC Director Michael V. Cabalda addressed his fellow public servants underscoring MGB’s constant role in the nation’s growth. He urged them to embrace the future and intensify their efforts to achieve MGB’s vision of a minerals industry that contributes greatly to economic growth and the general well-being of our communities through responsible mining. MGB Regional Office 6 personnel offered a Eucharistic Celebration on November 11, 2024, at the regional office to commemorate MGB’s historic milestone. Joining the asynchronous nationwide culmination activity via Zoom, MGB VI held team building and wellness activities in Villa Azul at Oton, Iloilo. One of the team-building activities was a cook-off featuring the Filipino dish “adobo” dubbed “OhMyGADobo” that tested the teamwork, culinary arts, and gastronomic talents of MGB VI personnel. It was initiated by the MGB VI Regional Gender and Development Focal Point System (GADFPS). The giving of loyalty service award to qualified MGB VI personnel highlighted the culmination activity. A loyalty award is given every five years after rendering ten years of continuous and satisfactory service in the government. OIC Regional Director Cecilia L. Ochavo-Saycon encouraged MGB 6 personnel give their best at all times in doing their job and strive for excellence in fulfilling our mandate as a public service... read more
by mgb6iloilo | Nov 29, 2024 | Blog
Iloilo City – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office VI (MGB VI) held separate public hearings in Sibalom, and San Remegio on November 15 and November 26, respectively, with an upcoming one scheduled in Patnongon on December 5, 2024. All public hearings are being conducted within the province of Antique. The public hearing is an integral part of the National Mineral Reservation Program, providing a platform for stakeholders—including concerned sectors, communities, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, and local government units—to express their views on the establishment, disestablishment, or modification of a mineral reservation area. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau is the primary government agency under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) responsible for the conservation, management, development, and proper use of the country’s mineral resources including those in reservations, and lands of the public domain as specified in Republic Act No. 7942, also known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. What is a Mineral Reservation? A Mineral Reservation is defined as an area established and proclaimed by the President of the Philippines as a site containing strategic mineral resources essential for the country’s economic and industrial development or for scientific, cultural, or ecological purposes. These areas are set aside under the authority of Republic Act No. 7942, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, including DENR Administrative Order No. 2010-21. Mineral Reservations are declared to preserve strategic raw materials needed for national development, protect certain minerals for their scientific, cultural, or ecological value and promote orderly development and utilization of mineral resources. The declaration of a Mineral Reservation is made through... read more
by mgb6iloilo | Oct 28, 2024 | Blog
[Iloilo City] – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office VI conducted a two-day capacity-building event for its personnel on October 17 to 18, 2024 at the Iloilo Grand Hotel. OIC Regional Director Cecilia L. Ochavo-Saycon, in her welcome message underscored the importance of continuously providing the organization with opportunities for continued learning that would lead to enhancing productivity and meeting our commitment to providing the highest quality services and solutions to our clients. She also emphasized that professionalism is a manifestation of one’s inner character more than the externalities. One of the topics was on building a professional image for civil servants in adherence to the code of conduct and ethical standards for government employees tackled by the resource speaker Dr. Ian C. Espada of the College of Communication of the West Visayas State University. MGB VI personnel also learned more about the policy on the Ease of Doing Business through the orientation given by Dharyl Strawberry C. Fabe, resource speaker from the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Western Visayas Regional Office. The policies on the insurance benefits of government employees in preparation for retirement and other eventualities of life was taken up through the presentation of Yvette Marie M. Panaguiton, resource speaker from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Financial literacy and earning from savings were highlighted by Mark Ken C. Carmelita, resource speaker from PAGIBIG fund who presented the programs of their agency. Meanwhile, Engr. Ethylwyne Paran of MGB VI gave a re-echo of the Capability-Building Seminar-Workshop on the DENR Action Center/Hotline 8888 Operations and Tickets Resolution and 8888 Complaints Handling and Disposition that she attended during... read more
by mgb6iloilo | Oct 28, 2024 | Blog
ADVISORY FOR THE LOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVES, REGION 6 RE: TROPICAL STORM LEON (KONG-REY) October 27, 2024 Based on the Tropical Cyclone Bulletin NR. 4 of DOST-PAGASA issued at 5:00 PM of 27 October 2024, and valid until 11:00 PM of the same day, the center of Tropical Storm LEON (KONG-REY) was estimated based on all available data at 1,000 km East of Central Luzon (16.7°N, 131.5°E). Its maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 90 km/h, and central pressure of 992 hPa. In addition, its present movement is westward at 20 km/h and the extent of the tropical cyclone winds is strong to gale-force winds extending outwards up to 560 km from the center. In view of this, the outer rainbands of LEON may affect Extreme Northern Luzon and may continue to influence the Southwesterly Windflow initially triggered by Severe Tropical Storm Trami (formerly “KRISTINE”), which may affect Visayas, Mindanao, and the western section of Southern Luzon in the coming days. This will bring moderate to heavy rains over Western Visayas which may further cause possible flashfloods or landslides. Thus, all residents within Western Visayas Region who are living near/along and at the mouth of river channels, coastal areas, low-lying areas and within areas classified having High to Very High Landslide and Flood Susceptibility Ratings, are advised to take appropriate measures, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates, especially the Tropical Cyclone Advisories and Heavy Rainfall Warnings to be issued by PAGASA Regional Services Divisions. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Region 6 warns that the typhoon... read more
