MGB-7 supports EO 79
By Hazel F. Gloria
CEBU CITY, July18 (PIA) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7) in Central Visayas expressed its full support to Executive Order (EO) 79 to implement reforms in the Philippine Mining Sector.
MGB-7 regional director Loreto Alburo said this presidential directive sets the direction on how potential mining investors should conduct themselves when they go into mining as it requires more transparency and accountability in every step toward acquiring mining rights and even beyond.
The EO aims to balance important concerns on mining development in reinforcing environmental protection measures, promoting responsible mining, providing a more equitable revenue-sharing scheme and providing coordinative mechanisms among stakeholders including local government units (LGUs).
It also cites three additional areas as “no-mining” zones on top of the six areas enumerated under Section 19 of Republic Act No. 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
The EO also supports the move of DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje on the suspension of issuance of new mining permits as it awaits legislation rationalizing revenue sharing schemes and mechanisms.
He added that the review of the performance of existing mining operations, cleansing of non-moving mining rights holders, to be led by a multi stakeholder team, is also a major step towards ensuring that stringent environmental parameters are complied with.
To improve small-scale mining operations, the EO outlines steps to ensure that activities comply with the Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991 and the Environmental Impact Statement requirements spelled out in Presidential Decree No. 1586.
Specifically, the law designates Minahang Bayan or the People’s Small-Scale Mining Areas and mandates the creation and operation of Provincial/City Mining Regulatory Boards.
Meanwhile, in Central Visayas, there are nine operating mines and quarries covering 10,039.8923 hectares. Of the nine, six are in Cebu and one each for Negros Oriental, Siquijor and Bohol provinces.
As to the operationalization of Provincial or City Mining Regulatory Boards (P/CMRBs), five are now established in Cebu City, and the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
President Aquino signed EO 79 on July 6. This is to institutionalize and implement reforms in the Philippine Mining Sector and to provide policies and guidelines to ensure environmental protection and responsible mining in the utilization of mineral resources.
In signing EO-79, President Benigno S. Aquino III said, "our commitment is to realize the vision of the industry as we subscribe to the core requirements of sustainable development for the protection and rehabilitation of the environment; promotion of social and community stability; preservation of options for future generations; and competitive and prosperous mining industry in partnership with the various stakeholders.” (mbcn/hfg-PIA7, DENR-7)