CALOOCAN CITY, Aug. 14 (PIA) -- The chief of the environment department’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) on Wednesday said their “Minahang Bayan” program not only provides income to communities but also targets to “formalize” illegal small-scale mining in the country.
During the Network Briefing News on Radyo Pilipinas hosted by Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, MGB Director Wilfredo Moncano said they are working to fast track the approval of applications for Minahang Bayan areas nationwide.
“Ang gobyerno meron tayong programa na mag-declare ng Minahang Bayan all over the country,” he said.
“Ito ‘yung process ng formalization ng ating mga ilegal na small-scale miners. Marami na taong natulungan,” he added.
Moncano reported that the MGB already declared around 36 Minahang Bayan spots all over the country and have established contacts with small-scale mining operators.
“Nandoon sila sa mga open areas. Tinutulungan natin sila. Ine-expedite natin ‘yung pag-declare ng mga Minahang Bayan… Ang requirement lang naman nito ay hindi ito nasa loob ng approved na mga mineral property,” he said.
To recall, Minahang Bayan areas are where small-scale miners can operate legally. The program enables the MGB to effectively regulate and monitor drilling works and at the same time, minimize any negative effects on the environment, promote miners’ safety and generate revenues for government.
Moncano also said mining activities, and the employment these create, can provide economic gains for the country especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Ang mensahe ko lang sa ating mga kababayan, nandito tayo ngayon sa problema ng COVID-19 pandemic. Every country in the world is suffering from this pandemic. Now, the mining sector thinks that we can contribute to the recovery of the economy,” he said.
“Actually, we are looking at several projects that could generate employment, that could generate revenues for the government, that could generate community programs, livelihood programs, educational assistance sa mga communities where mining is operating,” he added.
“We have submitted our recovery program to our DENR Secretary and to the DOF to look at the mining sector as possible contributor to the economic recovery. I hope na ito naman makita sana ng ating mga kababayan na ang mining sector makatulong during these times,” he furthered. (PIA NCR)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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