DENR SEC. LOYZAGA: THE HEART OF RESPONSIBLE MINING LIES OUR COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITIES, COUNTRY

November 30, 2024 Metro BLISTT

‘When communities feel tangible benefits from mining, trust grows, the sector gains more impactful social license to operate’

BAGUIO CITY

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga underscored the role of large scale mining companies in promoting responsible mining. ‘The heart of responsible mining lies our commitment to the communities and to our country,’ Secretary Yulo Loyzaga said in her keynote message during the Awards Night and Testimonial Dinner of the 70th Annual Mining Safety and Environment Conference held recently at CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center here.

The event highlighted the 2024 Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award Best Mining Forest Contest Safest Mines. Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga took the opportunity to express her gratitude to ASEAN Engr. Louie Sarmiento, president of Philippine Mining Safety and Environment Association PMSEA) and Apex Mining Co. for its Pusong Minero Volunteers in responding to victims of Typhoon Kristine. Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga said her agency is
set to come up with a new department administrative order (DAO), introducing additional guidelines for social development and management program (SDMP).

In doing so, it will bring the linkages between the Philippine Development Plan, and our international commitments to the Paris and Sendai and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) directly into the framework of SDMP. ‘’Ensuring that strategies, programs, projects, and activities developed by mining companies align with the broader goals of resilient and sustainable community development,’’ the DENR official emphasized.

The Secretary added ‘’ our aim is to create more opportunities for communities to benefit this (mining) industry, not just through employment but resulting through effective improvements in infrastructure ,water, and energy security, education , healthcare, sanitation and social welfare.’ ‘When communities feel these tangible benefits from mining, trust grows and the sector gains a more impactful social license to operate in the coming years.’

She said: ‘’ The DENR and Mines Geosciences Bureau (MGB) remain steadfast in our goals. We will prioritize
partnerships that foster sound scientific research, innovation, transparency, and accountability.’ Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga voded: ‘We will champion technological advancements that streamline operations and make regulatory compliance more efficient .And we will ensure that the benefits of mineral resources development are shared with the communities most affected by its advancement.’

‘As we honor the individuals and organizations who have set new standards in sustainable mining, I am reminded of the incredible resilience, knowledge, and innovation that drive this industry,’’ Secretary Yulo Loyzaga said. Each of you here represents the future of mining one that is attuned to the needs of the people and the environment…May you continue to promote excellence and be an inspiration to your colleagues to strive harder in the pursuit of responsible mining.’ ‘Our journey is far from over. But I am confident that together we can create an industry that serves as a model for responsible and sustainable resource management.’

Primo Agatep/ABN