Paltek di Cordillera 1 Issue No. 1 CY 2019

MINES AND GEOSCIENCES INFORMATION CENTER OPEN IN CITY

he Mines and Geosciences Information Center has been T formally opened on November 22, 2019. The opening was graced by the DENR Undersecretary for Climate Change Service and Mining Concerns, USEC Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, DENR Assistant Secretary Nonita S. Caguioa, MGB Director, Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano, MGB Assistant Director, Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng and the MGB Regional Directors from all over the country.

The center aims to cater to researchers and the general public who wish to learn more about mining and geosciences in general and is under the initiative of Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Cordillera Administrative Region (MGB-CAR) led by its regional director RD Fay W. Apil.

The building which served as the DENR-CAR Regional Executive Director’s Office has been endorsed to the care of MGB-CAR and is being utilized as the information center.

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#MineResponsibility— EDITORIAL A Continuing Commitment to Responsible Mining

n November 8, 2019, O the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau launched the campaign dubbed as #MineResponsibility. This a nationwide information Photo from www.mgb.gov.ph campaign which is part of an intensified drive to ensure responsible mining in the country.

The brainchild of DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu and DENR Undersecretary for Climate Change and Mining Concerns Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, the campaign seeks to recreate a clearer and more factual image of the mining industry in the . The campaign consists of materials that employ different media platforms, especially the social media.

In a video statement shown during the program Sec. Cimatu EDITORIAL TEAM: said, "We now have better and stronger policies in place to protect the environment and local communities and to mine Fay W. Apil OIC, Regional Director with a long-term positive effect. We should not be wasting the Alfredo J. Genetiano massive mineral wealth of the Philippines when it can be Chief, Mine Management Division used to benefit the people. Moving forward, our goal is to Benigno Cesar L. Espejo OIC, Geosciences Division harness the mineral wealth for progress and development and Francisco M. Bilog the key to that is responsible mining.” OIC, Finance and Administrative Division Sydney C. Lalwet OIC, Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Responsible mining is taking place and continuously practiced, Development Division we just have to intensify involvement and awareness among the industry’s stakeholders. Sheila May V. Sanqui Information Officer II

IN THIS ISSUE: Contributors: Science Research Specialists Info Center Opens ……………………. Page 1 miners gather……………….. Page 8 Finance and Administrative Division Geosciences Division Mine Management Division Editorial …………………………………… Page 2 MGB reps in Japan ……. …..………... Page 9 Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division RD’s Viewpoint ………………………… Page 3 1st SSM contract …………...………. Page 10 Office Address:Mines and Geosciences Bureau-CAR MGB-CAR hosts ATF ………...... Page 4-5 Rescuers & Fire suppression ……. Page 11 80 Diego Silang Street, 2600 Baguio City Telephone Number: (074) 442-6392 Fax Number: (074) 304-2596 Geohazard maps ………………. Page 6-7 MGB’s 121st anniversary……………Page 12 E-mail addresses: [email protected];mgb.cordillera @ gmail.com Website: www.car.mgb.gov.ph FB: Mgb Cordillera

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RD’s VIEWPOINT The urgency of geohazard mitigation measures

he Cordillera Administrative Region is generally highly susceptible to landslides because of its T geological characteristics. We live in a rugged and mountainous landscape characterized by steep slopes, thus making us prone to geological hazards.

These hazards are usually brought about by prolonged periods of heavy rainfall that greatly affect the stability of our area. The region have perennially experienced massive and continuing landslides due to heavy precipitation and extensive human activities that impact natural geological processes. This is a reality we must altogether consider with deep conviction and comprehensive planning.

Collaborative efforts in addressing these hazards is the only way to go. Cooperation among local government units, national government agencies and the civil society is urgent. It requires setting aside differences and coming as one for effective geohazard mitigation measures. More than ever, now is the time to put our heads together and draft concrete mitigation measures that involve participation from all stakeholders. The regional bureau reiterates its deep commitment to providing technical assistance in the planning and implementation of geohazard

MGB-CAR Regional Director Fay W. Apil, explains the landslide map of Baguio City to mitigation measures that would serve Baguio City Mayor Elect Benjamin Magalong, as DENR-CAR RED Ralph C. Pablo, ARD for Technical Services Augusto Lagon and ARD for Management Services, Atty. Cleo Andrada the interests of the people and nd listen intently, during the 32 Anniversary celebration of DENR-CAR in Pacdal, Baguio reduce risks to the Cordillerans. City.

4 Paltek di Cordillera MGB-CAR HOSTS ANNUAL TECHNICAL FORUM

PANEL OF JUDGES WITH MGB-CAR RD FAY W. APIL (3rd from right). From right to left: Ret. PENRO Octavio B. Cuanso, Ret. RED Clarence DL Baguilat; RD Apil, Dr. Dymphna Nolasco-Javier; Engr. Ludwig John H. Pascual and Ret. RD Engr. Constancio A. Paye, Jr.

he Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Cordillera Administrative Region (MGB-CAR) successfully hosted this year’s Annual Technical Forum held at the Holiday Inn Baguio City Centre, Legarda Road, Baguio City on November 18-20, 2019. T With the theme “Mining and Geosciences: #MineResponsibility”, at least fifteen (15) papers were presented during the forum. Four policy papers were presented while eleven were technical and dealt mostly on geosciences. The distinguished Panel of Judges was composed of retired Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Octavio B. Cuanso, retired MGB Region XII Regional Director Engr. Constancio A. Paye, Jr., Engr. Ludwig John Pascual of Pilipinas MetDev Inc., Dr. Dymphna Nolasco-Javier, Dean of College of Science, UP-Baguio and retired DENR Regional Executive Director Clarence DL Baguilat, who chaired the panel. Best papers in the forum were chosen based on Presentation, Content/Relevance, Originality and Audience Interest/Impact. The judges chose the paper entitled “Karst

Paltek di Cordillera 5 Subsidence Hazard Assessment in the Municipality of Opol in the Province of Misamis Oriental as Best Technical Paper, and its presenter Ms. Daphne Niccole Galero as Best Presenter. This was followed by the paper entitled “Adapting a Proactive, Risk-based Approach in Mitigating Landslide Risk along Philippine Roadways”, presented by Mr. Marcius Elaeo G. Isip and the paper on “Pilot Scale production of Nickel Pig Iron Using Low Grade Laterite Ores” and was presented by Bernardo V. Bitanga. For the policy papers, Mr, Allen C. Cameros, who presented “Measuring Customer Satisfaction Technical Forum Awardees with the Judges, MGB-CAR regional director, MGB officials and DENR Assistant Project FACE Secretary for Mining Concerns and Finance, Asec. Nonita Caguioa. (Feedback and Assessment on Customer Experience): MGB XI’s Electronic Customer Satisfaction Survey, garnered first place and was followed by Engr. John Mikel Ansao with “The Benefits and Challenges in the Implementation of Online Monitoring of Performance Rating System Using Checklists and Scorecard” and Mr. PROUDLY CORDILLERAN. MGB-CAR personnel who served as front liners in the hosting of the forum Leo V. Virtucio who led by RD Fay Apil. presented the Implica- tions of the IPCCs “Special Report on 1.5°C to the DENR’s Plans and Programs”.

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GEOHAZARD MAPS EXHIBITED AT MALCOLM SQUARE Operation Golden Sunrise

n a bid to bring the government closer to the I people, all the bureaus and agencies under the De- partment of Environment and Natural Resources in the Cor- dilleras conducted the Exhibit cum Talakayan sa Parke. The activity was held from July 3- 6, 2019 at the Malcolm Square Park of Baguio City. Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Cordillera Administra- tive Region (MGB-CAR) placed the geohazard maps generated by the bureau on exhibit for the public to see. Park goers and passersby were able to check out their areas against the maps on display. Queries and clarifications on the map were immediately addressed.

For inquiries call the Geosciences Division at Landline Number 304 2500

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Oplan Itogon

Name of Number of Sinkholes Size Range of Aperture (meter)

Asin Road 15 1-25 Dontogan 44 1-50 City Lagoon 1 5-8 Lourdes 4 10-30 Crystal Cave 7 4-50 Dominican Mirador 14 10-50 Irisan 26 1-60 Middle Quezon Hill 18 1.5-20

Total 129

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TUBLAY MINERS GATHER IN A FORUM

mall scale miners from the municipality of Tublay gathered on September 6, 2019 at the S Tublay Municipal Covered Court in Acop, Caponga, Tublay, . Together with the local officials of the municipality led by the Honorable Mayor, Engr. Armando I. Lauro, the miners of said municipality found a venue for clarifying their concerns regarding the Minahang Bayan application processes. Resource persons from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Cordillera Administrative Region (MGB-CAR), the Technical Working Group of the Benguet Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (TWG-PMRB), the Benguet Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (BPENRO) and the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) presented on the different processes involved in the declaration of a Minahang Bayan in the municipality. The miners have been constantly reminded throughout the activity that their safety and well -being is primarily important especially in this kind of inclement weather. Stoppage order for small scale mining activities was again emphasized. The mayor in his talk encouraged all the miners to pursue their applications for the declaration of a minahang bayan and follow the law. On the other hand, the mining bureau representatives expressed assurance of their technical support for those who will pursue their mining permit applications. Hon. Armando I. Lauro, Tublay Mayor

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MGB REPS ATTEND MINE POLLUTION PREVENTION TRAINING IN JAPAN

MGB Representatives attended the Technical Training on Mine Pollution Prevention in Tokyo, Japan on October 2-12, 2019. The training, which aims to contribute to the promotion of mine pollution prevention measures in the Philippines, showcased Japan’s best practices in wastewater treatment in abandoned and closed mine sites, through a combination of lectures and actual mine visits. MGB delegation included technical personnel from the central and different regional offices of the bureau: Engr. Virginia P. Briones (CAR); Engr. Alvin S. Requimin (MiMaRoPa); Engr. Ronald C. Villamora (VI); Engr. Ramon M. Alforte (IX); Engr. Richard U. Aquino (XI); Engr. Christie A. Apale (XIII); Engr. Edgardo D. Castillo (CO) and Engr. Christine T. Battung (CO).

Japan Oil Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) and Japan Mining Engineering and training center (JMEC) Officials pose with the participants from the Philippines.

10 Paltek di Cordillera FIRST SMALL-SCALE MINING CONTRACT IN THE CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION SIGNED

Contract signed by RD Fay Apil, MGB-CAR Regional Director & Hon. Eduardo M. Kingay, LIPMA President (in green shirt); Atty Froilan Lawilao of Benguet Corp & Hon. Mayor Victorio Palangdan of Itogon signed as witnesses.

Standing at the back: officers and members of LIPMA together with their Barangay Captain, Hon. Andres C. Cuyan; Hon. Cresencio Pacalso, Benguet Governor, Dr. Peter Cosalan, PMRB member, Atty. Juan Nazarro, legal consultant, Engr. Julius del Rosario, Itogon Vice Mayor, Adriano Carantes, Jr.

M ay 2, 2019. This is a historical day for the small-scale miners of Loakan, Itogon as Regional Director of the Cordillera Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Fay W. Apil in behalf of the Government of the Philippines signed the first small-scale mining contract in the Cordillera Administrative Region during the contract signing ceremony held at the covered court of the Loakan Elementary School in Itogon. Guests and speakers during the ceremony which included Benguet governor, Hon. Cresencio Pacalso and the mayor of Itogon, Hon. Victorio Palangdan, lauded the day as history because this is the first mining contract awarded to small-scale miners in the Cordillera after a long period of waiting. They remarked that this is a moment to be proud of when small-scale miners could operate under the wings of the nation’s laws. In her remarks, RD Apil emphasized the significance of the contract since it is the first of its kind to be awarded to small-scale miners in the region. She proceeded to thank everyone who continuously worked to accomplish the requirements that led to the momentous event. Lastly, the regional director posed the challenge to the members of the Loakan Itogon Pocket Miners Association (LIPMA) to strictly adhere to the conditions of the contract and prove that small-scale miners can practice responsible mining. Paltek di Cordillera 11 MGB RECOGNIZES RESCUERS FROM PHILEX

Mines and Geosciences Bureau awarded Certificates of Recognition to the members of the Emergency Response Team of Philex Mining Corp. for their invaluable help in the search and rescue operations conducted for the victims of the earthquake that hit Luzon and greatly damaged structures in Pampanga this April 2019. Asec. Nonita Caguioa, DENR Assistant Secretary for Mining Concerns and Finance (2nd from left) and MGB Director Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano (2nd from right) graced the occasion during the Annual Technical Forum 2019 held at Holiday Inn Baguio City on November 19, 2019.

MGB-CAR TRAINS ON FIRE SUPPRESSION

Fire Officer Challongen assists an MGB-CAR employee in handling the fire extinguisher, during the training-seminar on Fire Prevention conducted for the employees of MGB-CAR in August of this year.

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