Republic of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources MINES AND GEOSCIENCES BUREAU WESTERN REGION Region: Region VI (Western Visayas) Land Area and Mineral Potential Provinces: 6 Mineral Profile Cities: 16 2,022,320 hectares (source PSA) Municipalities: 117 The Philippine government Total land area of the Region in Barangays: 4,051 promotes the rational hectares.

Population (as of 2015 census): exploration, development, Total: 4,477,247 utilization and conservation of 6.66% or 134,745.33 hectares Density: 221/km2 as of December 2016 Major economic activities: Farming mineral resources guided by its Percentage of the Region’s total and fishing commitment to responsible land area covered by mining minerals development. tenements. However, it should be Economic Contribution emphasized that said area is still PhP 8.67 Million or 2.7% subject to the mandatory Estimated Gross Regional Domestic relinquishment as provided by law. Product (GRDP) of Region VI, Western Visayas from mining and quarrying at Environmental Protection constant 2000 prices. It accounted 2.7% of and Rehabilitation the total GRDP of the Region in 2016. The Philippine government

Employment ensures the adequate 263 (employed, as of December 2016) protection of the The figure includes only employees of MPP environment, before, during and ISAG permit holders issued by the mining operations and MGB Region VI Office, not including the beyond the life of the mine. data from LGU permit holders as well as the MPSA contractors. While estimates vary, it is conservatively projected that for every basic job in the mining company about four (4) ancillary and indirect jobs may be generated in the upstream and downstream Social Development and sectors. Management PhP5.98 Million (as of December 2016) The emergence of small enterprises/ Amount committed by operating mines businesses in the host and neighboring for the development of their host and communities due to the presence of Economic Growth neighboring communities through their mining operations in the area, and the approved Social Development and livelihood projects supported by the The Philippine government Management Program. Around 18 mining companies, which generate both commits to provide a competitive barangays stand to benefit from the employment and income, cannot be investment climate and adequate implementation of approved SDMP of discounted. These economic activities will protection of the rights and the mining company. naturally stimulate the local economy. privileges of mining investors. Environmental Protection and Taxes & Fees Paid Mineral Resources Development Projects Rehabilitation PhP22.9 Million (estimated, 2016) PhP2.52 Million and PhP3.29 Million Amount of national and local taxes, fees . (4 copper/gold/other associated (as of June 2017) and royalties generated and contributed to minerals mines; 1 basalt rock quarry) Amount committed by operating mines the Philippine economy. . (1 limestone quarry; 1 marble for the implementation of approved quarry) plans/programs/projects/activities under . (1 limestone quarry) their Environmental Protection and . (2 copper/gold mines) Enhancement Program, and Final Mine Social Equity and Development . (1 limestone quarry) Rehabilitation and/or Decommissioning . (5 copper/ Plan, respectively. The Philippine government gold/other associated minerals mines; 1 silica mine and 1 manganese mine) recognizes the rights and Mining Forest Program

529,039 seedlings as of December 2016 participation of the communities These are identified potential Number of seedlings planted by and indigenous peoples and mineral resources with approved ensures the fair and equitable tenements but currently, these projects operating mines in more than 929.70 sharing of benefits among the are non-operating and two are under care hectares of mined-out and other areas company, the government and and maintenance after the suspension of as of 2015. host communities operation in the early 2000.

“Mining shall be pro-people and pro-environment in sustaining wealth creation and improved quality of life” © Mines and Geosciences Bureau June 2017