TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Executive Summary II. Detailed Physical Accomplishments a. Responsible Mining ❖ Mineral Resources Enforcement and Regulatory Program • Mineral Investment Promotion • Mining Industry Development ❖ Mineral Resources and Geosciences Development Program • Communication Plan for Minerals Development • National Mineral Reservation b. Geological Assessment ❖ Geohazard Assessment • Vulnerability and Risk Assessment and Updating of 1:10,000scale Geohazard Maps • Karst Subsurface Assessment • Conduct of IEC to LGUs ❖ Geologic Quadrangle Mapping ❖ Groundwater Resources Assessment III. Tables and Annexes IV. Prospects for CY 2021 MANDATE, MISSION AND VISION MANDATE The Mines and Geosciences Bureau is the primary government agency under Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) responsible for the conservation, management, development and proper use of the country’s mineral resources including those in reservations and lands of public domain. In pursuing the mandate, it envisions a mining and minerals industry that is not only prosperous but also socially, economically and environmentally sustainable, with broad community and political support while positively and progressively assisting in the government’s program on revitalizing the minerals industry and contribution to the general economic well-being of the nation. MISSION The MGB, as steward of the country's mineral resources, is committed to the promotion of sustainable mineral resources development, aware of its contribution to national economic growth and countryside community development. It fully recognizes that the development of a responsive policy framework in partnership with stakeholders to govern mineral exploration, mining and investment decisions and an effective institutional structure, are fundamental requisites for the sustainable utilization of the country's mineral resources. It is adherent to the promotion of geological studies as an integral element of socio-economic development, environmental protection and human safety. Yet, it is sensitive to the known environmental impacts of mining and the need for restoration and rehabilitation of mining affected areas and the development and adoption of environmental and geo-scientific technologies. VISION MGB envisions a minerals industry that is not only prosperous but also socially, economically and environmentally sustainable, with broad community and political support while positively and progressively assisting in government’s program on poverty alleviation and contributing to the general economic well- being of the nation. MGB also aims to be the leading geoscience and geo- resources Bureau serving the public and nation with scientific reliability. FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT MINES AND GEOSCIENCES BUREAU REGIONAL OFFICE NO. I OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR The Office of Regional Director shall implement the pertinent laws, policies, rules and regulations and programs; exercise the management functions of planning, organizing, directing and controlling; undertake Information, Education and Communication campaign; and perform such other duties and functions as may be provided by law or delegated by the Director. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION The Finance and Administrative Division (FAD) shall provide general administrative services pertaining to human and financial resources and property and records management. GEOSCIENCES DIVISION The Geosciences Division (GSD) shall undertake land and marine geoscientific surveys including mineral exploration, geological mapping, geohazard assessment, groundwater resource exploration and vulnerability assessment, and engineering geological and geoenvironmental studies and provide geological laboratory and information services. MINE MANAGEMENT DIVISION The Mine Management Division (MMD) shall undertake initial evaluation of mining and mining-related applications, monitoring of the disposition and utilization of mineral lands and resources, and survey of mineral lands. MINE SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT DIVISION The Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division (MSESDD) shall conduct the evaluation and monitoring of implementation of programs and investigate incidents/complaints on mine safety and health, environmental management and social development. I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY As we conclude this very tough and challenging year, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 1 is one with the nation in hopes and positivity that we will be able to rise again. We may have struggled and had a hard time welcoming the “new normal” yet we learned to embrace the changes and adapt to it in our everyday lives. However, we remain true to our mandate and responsibility to the people and the environment. Our mission as stewards of the country’s mineral resources while committed to the promotion of sustainable mineral resources development has truly gone a long way up to this day. MGB Region 1 continues to take an active role in promoting responsible mining. We seek to transform the Philippine mining industry to an environmentally- friendly, globally competitive, significant contributor to the national economy and improve the welfare of the people and the country especially in this global pandemic. The contributions of the mining industry have been prioritized to help in the economic recovery of the country. Challenging it may be, we have attained remarkable accomplishments this year. We have successfully passed the Integrated Management System (IMS) ISO Surveillance Audit conducted by the certifying body, National Quality Assurance (NQA) for the Quality Management System, Environmental Management System, and Occupational Health and Safety Assessment. We continued with our certification after the Second Surveillance. In line with the global crisis due to COVID 19, the we advised companies to use unutilized funds of Social Development and Management Programs (SDMPs) of mining companies to support affected impact and non-impact communities. MGB Region 1 encouraged and allowed mining contractors and permit holders to re-align their unspent SDMP funds and extend necessary assistance to their host and neighboring communities during the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). Despite of the crisis, some companies came up with strategic programs during the duration of the ECQ. This includes the provision food packs, hygiene kits to support their respective impact communities. We also gave tribute to all dedicated frontliners who attend and work tirelessly to address this global pandemic. In line with this, employees of MGB-1 initiated a donation drive to raise funds for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for health workers. PPEs were procured and distributed in different hospitals in La Union. Several employees and were hired and promoted as they took their oath of office in the months of May and June 2020. Positions filled up includes Administrative Assistant II, Science Research Specialist II, Engineer III, Geologist II and Supervising Geologist. An Electronic Library (e-library) was also initiated and developed. The Mining Tenement Evaluation Section (MTES) in the Mine Management Division continues to push for the development and eventual mainstreaming of the MGB (E-Lib). This is to secure all accounts relating to mining permits/contracts and applications filed or registered in this office and for the maintenance of records including classifying, storing, securing and preservation. The Electronic Library can be accessed from any browser by searching for www.mgbr1elib.com. With a systematic document and records management, the Organization may treat every transaction with faster and more effective response. This leads to more accurate decision making for the top management. We also conferred with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members of the Provinces in the region to discuss our programs, plans and activities (PPAs) which promotes responsible mining, environmental protection and community empowerment and resiliency. As part of the safety and urgent measures to arrest the spread of the Corona virus disease, virtual meetings and webinars were conducted in various events in the office. A Media Forum was conducted in line with the celebration of the 122nd Founding Anniversary of MGB and Mining Month last November. Issues and concerns in the minerals industry in the Ilocos Region were discussed and addressed. The said forum is one of MGB-1’s strategy to communicate the government’s plans, programs, projects and activities through the media (print and broadcast) as part of the #MineResponsibility campaign. This is to lobby its efforts of the mining industry to inform, educate and communicate the benefits that it gives to the overall economy of the country, and to call for action towards responsible mining. 2020 has been an avenue to highlight the skills and potentials of our personnel and likewise to challenge and encourage each other to work harder while taking care of our health and staying safe. We are still grateful for the time it gave us to reflect and re-evaluate our past decisions to give way to better and brighter achievements. May we remain vigilant in these trying times yet still hope that we will be able to rise from this global crisis. Moreover, let us lead the way towards meaningful change, go forth and make a difference for the world and for humanity. Let us build a non-discriminating, progressive society and render support to the environment and natural resources that sustains us. II. DETAILED PHYSICAL ACCOMPLISHMENT a.