MGB R02 inks MOU with 3 mining companies

   By: Lyndee Rose S. Basilio

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 02 (MGB R02) recently forged a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with three mining companies in the establishment of the Regional Information, Education and Communication Program (RIECP) and Regional Emergency Response Team (RERT).

David Way of OceanaGold, MGB R02 RD Mario Ancheta, Craig Watkins of FCF Minerals and Jose Miranda of Geogen Corp. forge their signature in the Memorandum of Understanding of RIECP and RERT at MGB conference hall.

MGB R02 Regional Director Engr. Mario A. Ancheta met with David Way, General Manager of OceanaGold Phils. Inc., Craig Watkins, Country Manager of FCF Minerals Corp. and Jose Miranda, Authorized Representative of Geogen Corp. for the organization of RIECP and RERT that will help the companies as well as the bureau in formalizing its commitment to widen its reach for information dissemination and in establishing clear guidelines in disaster response in the region.

“This is an opportune time to finally sign our Memorandum of Agreement, this shows that we support each other,” Ancheta stressed.

Engr. Rommel Amogan, OIC Chief of Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division (MSESDD) said that the RIECP aims to increase the awareness of people about mining and to influence the general notion of people regarding the impact of mining in the environment.

The RIECP will be producing brochures, videos, and educational materials as well as acquiring radio spot/blocktimes, maintaining website and establishing mining conference booths that will promote the benefits of mining in the region. The IEC materials produced by the REICP will be integrated to the company’s IEC program.

Further, the RIECP will build up a link with the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association, Philippines Society of Mining Engineers and any other related organizations to help in making the vision of the program into reality.

The conduct of research concerning mining in Region II, gathering of statistics as to the economic impacts of mining, percentage of employment and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Region II shall likewise be spearheaded to inform and to convince the people regarding the benefits of mining in the region.

On the other hand, the RERT is established to properly respond to emergencies and disasters in Region 02 especially during earthquakes, fires, floods and other natural or human-induced disasters.

Trainings, seminars and workshops will be conducted to enhance the knowledge and skills of the RERT about first aid and disaster response.

“It is an appropriate time for the signing of MOU to formalize things to properly take action,” RD Ancheta said in his message.

The Regional Director added that the MOU signing is a living proof that the mining industry in the Cagayan Valley region is ready to take the challenge and to move further.

“It is gratifying to note that this MOU signing will help us in executing and in achieving our goals in the mining industry,” he stated.

The MOU signing ceremony was attended by MGB R02 Division Chiefs, Section Chiefs rank and file employees as well as representatives of Geogen Corp., FCF Minerals and OceanaGold Philippines.