Puerto Princesa City -  Speaking before Palawan’s sand and gravel operators and contractors during the 1st Palawan Forum on Sand and Gravel Quarry Operations held on March 15, 2013 at the A&A Plaza Hotel, Puerto Princesa City, RD Roland De Jesus discussed on national policies and technical assistance that may be accorded by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to small-scale mining operations, specifically sand and gravel quarrying, through a ran down of various laws, rules and regulations presented by Engr. Percival Ladub, OIC-Mining Environment Safety Division of MGB IV-B.

Geared towards responsible undertakings in the province, the Provincial Government of Palawan through the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) ensured a balance of information by way of multi-sectoral participation which include, among other resource speakers, representatives from the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), National Council for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) and other non-government and peoples’ organizations.

With its theme “Advancing Knowledgeable, Responsible and Ecologically-Balanced Management of Quarry Operations in Palawan” the Provincial Government under the leadership of Governor Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra, aspires to foster growth and progress in the province along with environmental conservation and protection.

One of the highlights of the forum is the covenant signing of all participants in support to these objectives. RD De Jesus, meanwhile, fruitfully supplied every necessary information that will guide the effective implementation of sand and gravel quarry operation in the province.

Manila – MGB IV-B Regional Director Roland A. De Jesus was a  panelist during the Stakeholders’ Forum on Mining at the Bro. Andrew Gonzales Hall of the  De La Salle University in Manila held on January 25, 2013. The forum which was jointly organized by  the DLSU and the Chamber of Mines  of the Philippines evolved on the theme “Harnessing Mineral Resources for Sustainable Development” and aimed at providing  extensive knowledge on how mining is being undertaken in the country in relation to specific rules and laws being enforced by the government to ensure safety and sustainability in the industry.

 Discussing the innovations made on Executive Order No.79, RD De Jesus established the law’s objective of initiating needed reforms in the mining law to ascertain transparency and strict compliance to environmental safety as well as the  promotion of welfare of host communities. He also gave updates on specific actions being undertaken for the full implementation of the mentioned law.

 The audience comprised of Political Science and Developmental Studies students who were very inquisitive on mining operations and were even considering doing actual mine visit for a broadened exposure.

The forum was a fitting venue for discussing various issues and concerns on the mining industry as it was well-represented by all stakeholders.  Organizers were eyeing for a series of presentations and dialogues to sustain linkages between participating groups.

 Intramuros, Manila – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region IV-B took part in the Environmental Management Seminar organized by the College of Business Administration and Accountancy of the Colegio de San Juan de Letran held on January 22, 2013 aimed at creating awareness on the youth sector of the challenges posed by  climate change and other environment-related issues being encountered  globally.

 The Mother Ignacia  National  Social Apostolate  Center (MINSAC)  organized  a  forum  aimed at providing discussions on current issues and challenges that beset the country and specifically    pinpoints  the   mining  industry  and  its  effects  on  the environment and in particular on the communities inhabiting mine areas as one of the topics.

  No  less  than  MGB IV-B  Regional  Director  Roland  De  Jesus  graced  the  occasion and personally exhibited a presentation on mining basics and how the mining industry protects and helps develop its host communities. The said presentation gained approval from the organization and has become very helpful in providing  a  clearer  picture of  how  responsible  mining is being  undertaken, at least  in  his area  of jurisdiction, the Palawan province, being host to four large-scale nickel  mining companies.

             The forum was held on November 11, 2012 at MINSAC headquarters located in N. Domingo, San Juan City.

            MINSAC is a duly registered non-stock, non-profit organization which performs apostolic works and outreach   programs   through  partner  companies   and carries  out education, livelihood  and  other   development programs for indigents.

One of the most frequent issues posed against mining is its inability to co-exist with environment. Mining has been generally seen as an immense destruction obliterating any form of forest life, thus the mining industry was, every now and then, criticized and tagged as an adversary to eco-system. 

 The Philippine Mines Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) once again spearheaded the successful celebration of the 59th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference held on November 15, 2012 at CAP-John Hay Cultural Center in Baguio City with this year’s theme Responsible Mining: Our Advocacy…Our Commitment.