LOCAL POCKET MINERS TOLD ANEW TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

November 11, 2023 Provincial

MGB-CAR recognizes mining industry’s contribution to nat’l economic growth, countryside development

LA TRINIDAD, BenguetGovernor Melchor Diclas on Thursday urged his constituents including thousands of smallscale miners operating in the province to protect the environment, hopeful it will
benefit more and to keep the local mining industry. Governor Diclas made this remarks during the
environment forum and mining congress held at Benguet Sports Complex here as one of the highlights in this year ’s celebration of Adivay.

He emphasized such forum will be an avenue to protect the remaining forest cover in the province, thereby rallied all stakeholders to preserve and protect the environment. Diclas also congratulated
small-scale mining associations which have demonstrated their support in protecting the environment to include the provincial environment code that was passed in recent months.

The governor said he is aware of the issues besetting the small-scale mining, and underscored the importance of a small-scale mining contract. He noted several ssm groups are operating without
the mining contract , despite of it, he rallied everyone to support the province efforts in protecting the environment. Regional Director Fay Apil of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau- Cordillera (MGB-CAR) for her part said “ we at the mining bureau fully recognize that the development of a
responsive policy framework must be done in partnership with stakeholders to ensure the responsible utilization of our mineral resources.”

“With all the challenges faced by the mining sector especially those of the smallscale miners, we continue to espouse that mining must be responsible, always considering the general welfare of the people while caring for the environment as well. Among the topics discussed in the forum, spearheaded by the Provincial Environment Office (PENRO) and the Provincial Legislative body –Committee of Environment chaired by Board Member Juan Nazarro include environmental laws, forest management and mining laws.

Members of the Benguet Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) were in full force in gracing the event chaired by Apil, Gov. Diclas, Peter Cosalan and lawyer Eduard Aratas, representing the private sector and large-scale mining group, and Norberto Cobaldes, president of Benguet
Federation of Small-Scale Miners Inc. (BFSSM).

Primo Agatep/ABN