MGB R02 conducts training on engineering geology

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. II conducted a training-workshop on Engineering Geology on 25-27 September 2018 at MGB Multi-Purpose Hall, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. The event was anchored on the continual improvement of the MGB ROII geologists in compliance to its Integrated Management System (IMS) and its mandate on environmental management, particularly on hazard assessment and mitigation.

Bearing the theme: “Engineering Geology-Theory and Practice,” intends to enhance the competence of the geologists in natural hazard assessment, slope stability, engineering geophysics, drilling, and geo technology.

During the first day of the training-workshop, a lecture on theory and principles behind engineering geology, including the basic principles in mapping, logging, and stereographic projection were discussed by Victor Rey Angeles, a licensed geologist who specializes in engineering and environmental geology.

The fieldwork was conducted on the second day at Penablanca, Cagayan where the local geology posed engineering design and construction challenges.

On the third day, an interactive session was conducted that included preparation and presentation of field data and engineering geologic map.

The training-workshop was attended by geologists of MGB R02 led by its Chief Geologist Felicitas V. Piligan.

Mines Bureau spearheads capacity building for Info Officers, Economists

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Central Office through its Mineral Economics, Information, and Publications Division (MEIPD) spearheaded a capacity building for MGB personnel responsible for statistical data analysis, website maintenance, and information dissemination on 1-5 October 2018 at Microtel Techno Hub Hotel, Quezon City.

The first day of the capacity building focused the discussion on the Guidelines for Compliance Monitoring and Rating/Scorecard of Mining Permits/Contracts lectured by Engr. Rodolfo Velasco Jr., Chief Science Research Specialist. A discussion on the Guidelines for additional Environmental Measures for Operating Surface Metallic Mines was also given by Atty. Josephine Sescon, Officer-in Charge of the MGB Legal Services Division.

Meanwhile, Engr. Larry Heradez, OIC of Mining Tenements Management Division of MGB Central lectured the Guidelines in the Conduct, Apprehension, Seizure, Confiscation, and Disposition of Illegally-Sourced Minerals/Minerals Products and By-Products, Tools, Conveyances, and Equipment Used.

On the second day, Media Specialist Miko Morales gave a lecture on theories on behavioural change and guidelines for developing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials. 

After the lecture, a critique of existing IEC materials of MGB regional offices was conducted.

The next day gave emphasis on crisis management and basics of media relations. The recent landslide in Itogon, Benguet and Naga, Cebu City were used as case studies for the crisis management particularly on dealing with the media.

Basics of newswriting, feature writing, and speech writing were also discussed during the third day of the capacity building. A writeshop on press release writing, feature article writing, and speech writing were conducted after the series of lectures.

Importance of website and website writing was also discussed during the last day of the training.

The capacity building was participated in by Information Officers and Economists of MGB Central Office and its regional offices.

MGB orients stakeholders on new mining policies

To better implement mining laws, DENR officials and representatives of mining companies in Cagayan Valley participated in the seminar on new policies held on Sept.  12-13, this year in Santiago City, Isabela.

Senior officials from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) oriented the 100 participants about MGB Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2018-01 or the Guidelines in the Conduct of Apprehension, Seizure, Confiscation, and Disposition of Illegally Sourced Minerals/Mineral Products and By- Products, Tools, Conveyances and Equipment Used. The Guidelines for Compliance Monitoring and Rating/Scorecard of Mining Permits/Contracts as provided for under MGB MC No. 2018-02 was also discussed

Engr. Robert B. Carreon and Mining Claims Examiner Maribeth G. Tumaliuan lectured on the monitoring checklist and scorecard provisions on tenements while Engr. Florentino C. Bangisan Jr. talked about the safety and health checklist and scorecard provisions. The checklist and scorecard of environment programs, and the monitoring checklist and scorecard of social development programs were discussed by Supervising Science Research Specialist Emely Delmendo and Senior Science Research Specialist Demetrio B. Corsino, respectively.

The officials from the DENR regional and field offices, representatives of three-large scale mining companies, and MGB personnel deployed at the five DENR provincial offices also learned the salient features of Memorandum Circular No. 2018-02 presented by Legal Officer Atty. Glenn B. Buncad and Supervising Science Research Specialist Engr. Geoffrey V. Prado.

“The scorecards standardized our monitoring system in the Bureau. This will be our basis in rating your compliances effective this 2018,” MGB Regional Director Mario A. Ancheta said.

“Since we have now a standard rating card, it is up to the company on how you will perform,” the regional director added.

Mining companies aid in Ompong rescue operation

As part of their community outreach initiatives, regional emergency response teams of mining companies in Region 02 provided assistance in rescue operations in Tuguegarao City during the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong on Sept. 14-18, this year.

The two teams from OceanaGold Philippines Incorporated and FCF Mineral Corporation helped the city government in facilitating emergency response to families affected by the typhoon.

The responders also conducted clearing operations at the Cagayan National High School and in eight barangays, namely: Bagay, Caritan Centro, Centro 1, Centro 2, Centro 9, Centro 10, Tanza, and Ugac Sur.

Meanwhile, prior to the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) provided the list of barangays that have High to Very High Landslide and Flood Susceptibility to the Office of the Civil Defense, Department of Interior and Local Government, and the provincial local government units.

Geologists of MGB also conducted the post-Geohazard assessment of areas prone to landslide and flood in the region.