Mines and Geosciences Bureau X Regional Director (seated 1^st first, right side) discussed to Holcim Resources Development Corporation (HRDC) Manager, Engr. Tito Mendoza (seated second, left side) the Suspension of all Quarry operations in Regions l, lll,   CALABARZON, V, Vll, X Xl and Xlll as per Memorandum letter of MGB Directior Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano dated September 21, 2018, and   as per order from the DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu.

The suspension was in view of the recent landslide incidents in Itogon, Benguet and Naga City, Cebu that resulted to the deaths and missing persons, and damages to properties of communities near mining/quarry operations. The secretary has instructed identified MGB Regional Offices to conduct an immediate safety inspection and Geohazard assessment of the communities near the mining/quarry operations under their area of jurisdiction to prevent similar landslide incidents.  Continue reading »

Osin A. Sinsuat, Jr., Chief Geologist, MGB-X, talks on Understanding Geo-hazards in the LGU

MGB-X was invited as Resource Speaker on Understanding Geo-hazards in the LGU during the Training-Workshop on the Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) for Pilot LGUs Cum Coaches Training.  The training-workshop was organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – X in coordination with the Local Government Academy (LGA).    Participants from pilot local government units included the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (PDRRMOs) of the 5 provinces of the region; and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (MDRRMOs), the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators (MPDCs), and the Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOOs) of 20 municipal government units, including, Talakag, Bukidnon; Balingoan, Initao, Lugait, Medina, Naawan, Opol, Salay, and Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental;  Sagay, Guinsiliban, and Mambajao, Camiguin; Jimenez, Sinacaban, Sapang Dalaga, Aloran, and Plaridel, Misamis Occidental; and Bacolod, Baroy, and Tubod, Lanao del Norte.  The activity was held on 2018. September 5 to 7 at the Dynasty Court Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.

Fifty (50) participants from the  different PENROs/CENROs including  embedded  personnel,  representatives from  DENR , EMB and some MGB X technical personnel   converged during the  Orientation Seminar on the Guidelines in the conduct of Apprehension, Seizure, Confiscation and Dispostion of illegally  sourced Minerals/Mineral Products  and By-Products, Tools, Conveyances and Equipment used provided under MGB MC No. 2018-01 conducted on August 24, 2018 at the  Philtown Hotel and Restaurant .

The Seminar was aimed to orient the participants on the updated policy guidelines in the apprehension, confiscation and disposition of illegally sourced minerals as provided  under  MGB Memorandum Circular No. 2018-01 and as  presented by Atty. Josephine V. Sescon, OIC, Legal Service Division MGB Central Office, Manila. Continue reading »

A one day  Orientation Seminar/Learning Activity was conducted for members of Multi-partite Monitoring  Teams (MMTs) from  Iligan City and Misamis Oriental.  The activitry was designed to orient new members on pertinent environmental and mining laws, rules , regulations and programs covering the topics on the following:

• Evironmental Impact Statement System
• Ecological Solid Waste Management
• Toxic substance, Hazardous and Nuclear waste Control
• Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act
• Ambient Air Sampling Procedure
• Adjudication of Environmental Compliance Certificate  (ECC) Violations and Pollution Cases
• Protocol in Conducting Environmental  Compliance  Inspection Continue reading »

In pursuance to the invitation letter dated August 07, 2018 from Ms. Myrna C. Cosin, Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan of the Municipality of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental,  Engr. Daniel S. Belderol, Chief Mine Management Division (MMD), Engr. Rodante B. Felina, Chief- Mine, Safety, Environment and Social Development  Division (MSESDD) along with Ms. Cecilia C. Tan,  Information Officer of MGB X, attended  the Inter-Agency Conference/dialogue    with LGU Tagoloan, ENRO Misamis Oriental, DENR X, DPWH, X and TRI-PARCO Development Corporation represented by Mr. Ruben A. Javier held at the Paula’s Hotel  last August 9, 2018 in Tagoloan.

The Sangguniang Bayan members of Tagoloan conducted a dialogue to  seek the advise/opinions of the different concerned agencies mentioned above  regarding the Industrial  Sand  and gravel application filed by Triparco Development Corporation in Sta. Ana, Tagoloan. This move  was to determine the status of the application, specially on its impact to the environment,  government infrastructure like roads, bridges and flood controls, private properties among others and it’s social acceptability.  The result  from the  conference/dialogue will form part of the LGUs basis for the endorsement of the Indusrial Sand and Gravel permit application to the Provincial Mining  Regulatory Board (PMRB) of Misamis Oriental  for approval .

RD Rex S. Monsanto with some of the group the touring company quarry site

The Bench marking activity was aimed to get acquainted with best mining practices implemented by the Company and gain insights and appreciation of initiatives on environmental protection and enhancement program, social development and management, MRFC and MMT Operations and other practices/projects like greening/reforestation of mined-out areas being employed by Agata Mining Ventures, Inc. to sustain a responsible mining operation.

Members of the Bench Marking Group headed by MGB X Regional Director Rex S Monsanto, members of the Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committees (MRFCs) and Multipartite Monitoring Teams (MMTs  ) of Holcim Resources Development Corporation (HRDC) Lugait Plant, Republic Cement Iligan , Inc., Mindanao Cement Iligan , Inc., based in Brgy. Kiwalan, Iligan City,  ISAG  Permit Holders , MGB X technical staff , Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Engr.  Paquito Melicor and CENRO Maria Theresa Allen of DENR Regional Office- 10 and Engr. Emilio Figueroa , Agata Mining Ventures, Inc. General Manager.

Continue reading »

Regional Director Rex Monsanto and his staff – Chief Geologist Osin Sinsuat, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer Jerome Ventic, and Planning Officer Gay Callanta participated in the two-day Conference and Planning Workshop for the Sub-Committee on Land Resource Management’s Approved Programs, Projects and Activities under Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) held in Cagayan de Oro City on 2018. June 5 and 6.  The activity was chaired by DENR Assistant Secretary for Field Operations – Mindanao Atty. Michelle Go.  Military officials were also in attendance.  Continue reading »