QUEZON CITY — Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for a more stable and sustainable mining industry, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Finance (DOF), University of the Philippines Public Administration Research and Extension Service Foundation, Inc. – Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development (UPPAF-RESPOND), Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA), Department of Energy (DOE), and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), recently extended their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further promote responsible mining. The ceremonial signing took place in Baguio City on 22 November 2024, solidifying the commitment to a sustainable and inclusive mining industry in the Philippines.
As co-chairs of the extended Mining MOU, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and ARTA Secretary Ernesto V. Perez commenced the ceremonial signing event with their opening remarks reiterating support to the inclusive collaboration of all concerned agencies and private sector stakeholders on improving the mining sector in the Philippines. The extended MOU welcomes the inclusion of OSAPIEA, DOE, and NCIP to the Mining MOU Technical Working Group (TWG).
Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga emphasized the importance of continued support among stakeholders to ensure a responsible mining industry. She underscored the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection and social equity. By working together, the government and industry stakeholders can create a mining sector that benefits both the nation and future generations.
Secretary Perez welcomed the timeline extension and inclusion of the OSAPEIA, DOE and NCIP in the Mining MOU TWG, stating that “[the extended MOU and expanded TWG] is a bold move that aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives to push for a more stable and sustainable mining industry that balances mineral extraction with environmental protection.”
He further stressed the need to leverage innovation and technology to modernize mining operations, optimize resource utilization, reduce waste, and minimize environmental impact. By streamlining processes, reducing red tape, prioritizing environmental protection, and fostering collaboration, the stakeholders involved aim to create a mining industry that promotes ease of doing business and sustainable economic growth in the country.
This extended partnership will enable the government to implement stricter environmental and social safeguards, improve transparency and accountability, and ensure that mining operations adhere to international best practices. By strengthening regulatory frameworks and promoting responsible mining practices, the Philippines can attract foreign investment, create jobs, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
The inclusion of the NCIP in the TWG is a crucial step towards ensuring the rights and interests of indigenous peoples are protected. By involving indigenous communities in decision-making processes and sharing the benefits of mining projects, the government can foster social harmony and promote inclusive development.
Also present in the ceremonial signing event are former DFA Secretary and Philippine Ambassador to Australia Delia Domingo-Albert, OSAPIEA Assistant Secretary Ferdinand Pallera, NCIP Chairperson Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las, NCIP-CAR Regional Director Roland P. Calde, DILG Undersecretary Lord Villanueva, DOF Undersecretary Bayani Agabin, DOE Director Ricardo Dela Cruz, DTI-Board of Investment (BOI) Executive Director Corazon Dichosa, UPPAF-RESPOND Chief of Party Dr. Enrico Basilio, Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) Chairman Antonio Co, and Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) Executive Director Ronald S. Recidoro.
As the Philippines continues to develop its mining industry, it is imperative to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. By working together, the government, industry, and communities can create a mining sector that benefits all citizens under a Bagong Pilipinas. (ARTA)
