The Provincial and City Mining Regulatory Board and Provincial Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee in Western Visayas held their 11th regional summit
Iloilo City – The Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) and Provincial Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee (PMRFC) of the six provinces in Region 6 held their 11th regional summit last August 28-30, 2024 at Diversion 21 Hotel in Iloilo City. Centering on the theme “Strengthening the Functions and Bridging Gaps of PMRFCs and P/CMRB for an Environmentally Sustainable and Socially Responsible Mining Industry,” the members of the P/CMRB and PMRFC of each province gathered to review the implementation of current policies and learn more about the recently issued policies. The Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) in the Philippines is a local government body established under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 (Republic Act No. 7942). It is tasked with overseeing small-scale mining activities within a province. Each province with significant mining activity has its own PMRB, which works under the supervision of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). On the other hand, the Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee (MRFC) is a key regulatory body that oversees the implementation of environmental management, rehabilitation, and closure plans for mining projects. Under the supervision of the MGB, its main purpose is to ensure that mining operations comply with environmental laws and regulations, particularly in mined-out areas, and mitigate environmental impacts. MGB VI OIC Regional Director Cecilia L. Ochavo-Saycon said the mining industry faces many challenges but the presence of each one during the summit underscores a collective commitment to converse and dialogue on working together productively. The shared goal and responsibility are to achieve a responsive, systematic, and balanced environment for businesses to... read morePublication of Vacant Positions August 30, 2024
Publication of Vacant Positions August 30, 2024 read moreMGB VI conducts drone pilot and mapping training
Iloilo City — The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office VI (MGB VI) conducted a drone pilot and mapping training course for its technical personnel on August 5 to 6, 2024 in Iloilo City. The training was attended by eighteen technical staff of MGB VI coming from the geosciences division, mine management division, and the mine safety, environmental and social development division. Five students of the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) who are undertaking their on-the-job-training with MGB VI attended the training as well. MGB VI supervising geologist Mr. Myron Gerard Y. De Guzman was the resource speaker during the training. He explained the training was designed to equip the participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to operate drones effectively and safely. Drones, also known as unnamed aerial vehicle (UAV) have become increasingly prevalent in various industries, including photography and videography, agriculture, mining, engineering, mapping, surveying, and disaster response, he said. Drones can be applied to some programs of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau such as geohazard mapping, geologic mapping, and monitoring of mines and quarry operations. The training spanned for two days, with all the lecture topics tackled held on the first day, while a hands-on training on how to operate a drone, and conduct drone survey and mapping using drone with image analysis was conducted on the field during the second day. At the end of the two-day training, most of the participants were able to produce their own orthomosaic images, digital surface models and digital terrain models based on existing drone images. (MGB VI) ... read moreMGB VI reminds public to stay vigilant and prepared for rain-induced landslides and flooding
Iloilo City — The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office VI has reminded the public, urging residents in vulnerable areas to prepare for potential rain-induced landslides and flooding especially during the rainy season. When heavy rainfall affects various regions, MGB VI supervising geologist Dr. Leilanie O. Suerte emphasizes the importance of consulting geohazard maps and taking necessary precautions to ensure safety. During the online press conference of the Philippine Information Agency in Antique last July 19, 2024, MGB VI discussed about geologic hazards specifically rain-induced landslides and flooding. The press conference was a collaborative activity of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of the province of Antique with PIA Antique in line with the observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month. Dr. Suerte gave an overview on the potential geohazards that may affect the province given specific conditions. She highlighted the critical need for local communities, local and national government agencies, and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and take proactive measures. Residents are strongly encouraged to consult geohazard maps, which provide detailed information on areas susceptible to landslides and floods. These maps are accessible through the MGB’s website, and social media pages. “The safety of our citizens is our top priority. We urge everyone, especially those in high-risk areas, to take this reminder seriously. By staying informed and prepared, we can minimize the impact of these natural hazards on our communities.” (MGB VI) Please visit MGB website and social media page to stay informed on geologic hazards. MGB also recommends the website HazardHunterPH, to check susceptibility level to rain-Induced flood and landslide when a typhoon affects an area. “HazardHunterPH is... read moreMGB VI conducts management review of its Integrated Management System
Iloilo City – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office VI (MGB VI) conducted a Management Review on July 15, 2024 to assess the performance and effectiveness of the Integrated Management System (IMS) which encompasses Quality Management (ISO 9001:2015 , Environmental Management (ISO 14001:2015), and Occupational Health and Safety Management (ISO 45001:2018) standards. Led by the Integrated Management Representative (IMR) Engr. Lucius P. Sucgang together with the Internal Lead Auditor, Auditors, Safety Officer, Pollution Control Officer (PCO), and process owners, the management review team scrutinized the Quality, Environmental, Health, and Safety (QEHS) manual and mandatory procedures of the agency to determine what needs to be updated, and the necessary actions to be taken to align with the integrated management system. The team further evaluated major areas of concern and came up with solutions and corrective actions to comply with non-conformities. They highlighted the importance of regularly monitoring the status of accomplishments, keeping track with updates on safety and health policies, processes innovations, and improvements in the compliances in conformance with the IMS. MGB VI passed its recertification audit for the ISO Integrated Management Systems early this year, February 6, 2024. The audit was conducted by an external audit and certification body, NQA Philippines Inc. The management review is a key component of MGB VI’s commitment to continuous improvement and it involved a thorough evaluation of the system’s performance over the past year, said MGB VI OIC Regional Director Cecilia L. Ochavo-Saycon. She further encouraged everyone to strictly work on the action plans they have prepared at the start of the year, in order to ensure that MGB VI... read more
