MGB-Cordillera “favors” declaring Baguio City as mining-free zone

February 4, 2020 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau- Cordillera (MGB-CAR) “favors” declaring the Summer Capital as mining-free zone.

“As far as the regional office is concerned, we do not interpose any objection for the passage,” states in the official position of the MGB-CAR, headed by its Officer-in-charge, regional director Fay Apil.

“This position is for the Regional office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau only and should not be taken as the position of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Central Office that might have a different view on the matter.”

The official position of MGB-CAR, actually contained in the agency’s letter (dated January 16,2020) to Representative Elpidio Barzaga, Jr, chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources in the House of Representatives relative to the initial deliberation of House Bill (HB) 5619 –An Act Declaring The City of Baguio as Mining-Free Zone.”

The Bill was introduced by Mark Go, Representative of the Lone District of Baguio City. “We find the reasons mentioned in the proposed Bill contained in the explanatory note to be very plausible,” the MGB-CAR position further states.

MGB-CAR has suggested the following sections to be included in the bill: “providing that the City Mining Regulatory Board established to regulate the small-scale mining activities in the city to be dissolved.” “[regulation of the mining activities if there be any should now be under the control,supervision and/or regulation by the city government].”

The agency further suggested “if possible for the City [Baguio] thru the City Council or any appropriate body to promulgate the implementing rules and regulations in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

In a related development, and in aid of the deliberation of the said HB, the MGB-CAR,and representatives from the Office of the City Mayor and Congressman Go, jointly conducted a two day (Jan 28-29)) ocular inspection of mining sites (small scale mining)in the city.

The activity, especially on the part of MGB-CAR was contained on the separate memoranda issued by DENR Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna and Wilfredo Moncano, acting director of MGBCentral Office, respectively.

Inspected were some seven small-scale mining associations: Kias-PMA,Uabac in Camp 7 and Atok Trail. These associations have pending Minahang Bayan applications likewise stoppage orders.

The MGB-CAR has seven days to submit to the Committee: Certification as to whether or not there are issued mining contracts or permits in the city and near the boundary; pertinent report of the ocular inspection—specific location of the mine, operators, number of tunnels; and status of Proclamation Nos. 414 and 572.

Primo Agatep/ABN