Paving a bright future through responsible mining
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Paving a bright future through responsible mining
Better Mining, Better Future
Published May 31, 2024 02:50 PM PHT

Representatives from various mining organizations recently convened to launch "Living with a Brighter Future," a documentary aimed at raising awareness about responsible mining practices.
Representatives from various mining organizations recently convened to launch "Living with a Brighter Future," a documentary aimed at raising awareness about responsible mining practices.
The initiative, part of the Better Mining, Brighter Future campaign, is a collaborative effort involving multiple industry associations. These include the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, the Philippine Nickel Industry Association, the Chamber of Mines - Caraga; the Alliance of Responsible Miners and Operators - Visayas, the Eastern Rizal Miners Association; the Mindanao Association of Responsible Quarry Operators Foundation, Inc., and the Philippine Mining & Exploration Association.
The initiative, part of the Better Mining, Brighter Future campaign, is a collaborative effort involving multiple industry associations. These include the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, the Philippine Nickel Industry Association, the Chamber of Mines - Caraga; the Alliance of Responsible Miners and Operators - Visayas, the Eastern Rizal Miners Association; the Mindanao Association of Responsible Quarry Operators Foundation, Inc., and the Philippine Mining & Exploration Association.
The documentary features real-life stories of the people who have seen firsthand the contributions of the industry not only in their personal lives, but also in their communities. Most of these beneficiaries, including community leaders, were originally opposed to mining. However, through regular engagement, communication, consultation, and proper implementation of programs, their reservations about mining changed.
The documentary features real-life stories of the people who have seen firsthand the contributions of the industry not only in their personal lives, but also in their communities. Most of these beneficiaries, including community leaders, were originally opposed to mining. However, through regular engagement, communication, consultation, and proper implementation of programs, their reservations about mining changed.
Caring for the environment
Caring for the environment

Remy Navarro, President of the Nipa Small Farmers and Fisherfolks Association in Iloilo is thankful for the continued support they are receiving from the mining company. Photo source: Better Mining, Brighter Future
Remy Navarro, President of the Nipa Small Farmers and Fisherfolks Association in Iloilo is thankful for the continued support they are receiving from the mining company. Photo source: Better Mining, Brighter Future
Remy Navarro, the President of the Nipa Small Farmers and Fisherfolks Association in Iloilo, initially had reservations about the potential environmental impact of the mining operations on their livelihood. However, the group came to recognize the efforts of Montepiedra Aggregates Corporation (MAC) in the conservation of a Marine Protected Area in their area.
Remy Navarro, the President of the Nipa Small Farmers and Fisherfolks Association in Iloilo, initially had reservations about the potential environmental impact of the mining operations on their livelihood. However, the group came to recognize the efforts of Montepiedra Aggregates Corporation (MAC) in the conservation of a Marine Protected Area in their area.
"Sa amin po, sa mga mangingisda, ito po 'yung binigay nila na mga bangka. Nag-umpisa noong 2021 ay lima. Ngayon, labindalawa na. May kasunod pa 'yung programa nila sa bangka – 'yung Marine Protected Area. Tuloy-tuloy 'yun na tulong. 'Yung Marine Protected Area ngayon ang pinopondohan naman nila para mapalapit na lang dito sa amin 'yung kinukuhanan ng isda," Navarro shared.
"Sa amin po, sa mga mangingisda, ito po 'yung binigay nila na mga bangka. Nag-umpisa noong 2021 ay lima. Ngayon, labindalawa na. May kasunod pa 'yung programa nila sa bangka – 'yung Marine Protected Area. Tuloy-tuloy 'yun na tulong. 'Yung Marine Protected Area ngayon ang pinopondohan naman nila para mapalapit na lang dito sa amin 'yung kinukuhanan ng isda," Navarro shared.
(For us fisherfolk, these are the boats that they give us. It started in 2021 with five [boats]. Now, [we have] 12. There is also a follow-up to their program on providing boats - the Marine Protected Area. The assistance [provided] continues. The Marine Protected Area is what they are funding now, so that we can fish closer.)
(For us fisherfolk, these are the boats that they give us. It started in 2021 with five [boats]. Now, [we have] 12. There is also a follow-up to their program on providing boats - the Marine Protected Area. The assistance [provided] continues. The Marine Protected Area is what they are funding now, so that we can fish closer.)
Ensuring environmental protection on both land and water plays a big part in the operations of MAC.
Ensuring environmental protection on both land and water plays a big part in the operations of MAC.
Engr. Francis Felizardo, President of the company, stressed that they go beyond what is required by the government. Apart from supporting the livelihood of fisherfolk in their beneficiary community, the company also plants over a thousand trees annually, which is well above what is required in their mineral processing permit.
Engr. Francis Felizardo, President of the company, stressed that they go beyond what is required by the government. Apart from supporting the livelihood of fisherfolk in their beneficiary community, the company also plants over a thousand trees annually, which is well above what is required in their mineral processing permit.
According to the data provided by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), as of December 2023, the mining industry has planted more than 50 million seedlings, covering almost 45 thousand hectares of land. Of these, approximately 90% of the planted trees have survived. Mining companies have also provided P387.81 billion for environmental protection and enhancement programs to help ensure potential environmental impacts are mitigated.
According to the data provided by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), as of December 2023, the mining industry has planted more than 50 million seedlings, covering almost 45 thousand hectares of land. Of these, approximately 90% of the planted trees have survived. Mining companies have also provided P387.81 billion for environmental protection and enhancement programs to help ensure potential environmental impacts are mitigated.
Junel Garcia, Mine Environmental Protection Enhancement Officer of Platinum Group Metals Corporation (PGMC) shared that he wants to show to the community that the mining area will be properly rehabilitated. He believes that the negative perception about mining stems from the industry's past.
Junel Garcia, Mine Environmental Protection Enhancement Officer of Platinum Group Metals Corporation (PGMC) shared that he wants to show to the community that the mining area will be properly rehabilitated. He believes that the negative perception about mining stems from the industry's past.
Nericel Daulayan, Environment Manager of OceanaGold Philippines, Inc. (OGPI), echoed the responsible mining companies' commitment to the environment sharing that in OGPI, they have been undertaking progressive rehabilitation. According to Daulayan, their company will not wait for the mines to close before they start to rehabilitate.
Nericel Daulayan, Environment Manager of OceanaGold Philippines, Inc. (OGPI), echoed the responsible mining companies' commitment to the environment sharing that in OGPI, they have been undertaking progressive rehabilitation. According to Daulayan, their company will not wait for the mines to close before they start to rehabilitate.
Respect and support for IP culture
Respect and support for IP culture

Datu Renante Boklas of the Mamanwa Tribe of Surigao del Norte works together with mining companies to help ensure preservation of their culture. Photo source: Better Mining, Brighter Future
Datu Renante Boklas of the Mamanwa Tribe of Surigao del Norte works together with mining companies to help ensure preservation of their culture. Photo source: Better Mining, Brighter Future
Indigenous peoples in the Philippines are an integral part of the nation's cultural heritage and social fabric. With a rich tapestry of distinct languages, traditions, and customs, these communities have inhabited the Philippine archipelago for centuries, maintaining a deep connection to their ancestral lands and natural resources.
Indigenous peoples in the Philippines are an integral part of the nation's cultural heritage and social fabric. With a rich tapestry of distinct languages, traditions, and customs, these communities have inhabited the Philippine archipelago for centuries, maintaining a deep connection to their ancestral lands and natural resources.
As the Philippines strives toward inclusive and sustainable development, it is essential to recognize and uphold the rights of indigenous peoples, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.
As the Philippines strives toward inclusive and sustainable development, it is essential to recognize and uphold the rights of indigenous peoples, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.
Tribal leader Datu Renante Boklas of the Mamanwa Tribe of Surigao del Norte emphasized the importance of preserving their rich cultural heritage. With the assistance provided by PGMC, they are able to continue to practice their tradition.
Tribal leader Datu Renante Boklas of the Mamanwa Tribe of Surigao del Norte emphasized the importance of preserving their rich cultural heritage. With the assistance provided by PGMC, they are able to continue to practice their tradition.
"'Yung pagsasayaw namin, tapos 'yung pag-awit namin, nandoon pa rin. Tsaka 'yung pagsalita namin, isa din 'yun, sinusuportahan din kami ng company," shares Datu Boklas.
"'Yung pagsasayaw namin, tapos 'yung pag-awit namin, nandoon pa rin. Tsaka 'yung pagsalita namin, isa din 'yun, sinusuportahan din kami ng company," shares Datu Boklas.
(Our dancing and our singing, it is still there. And the language we speak, that is also supported by the company.)
(Our dancing and our singing, it is still there. And the language we speak, that is also supported by the company.)
Up North in Nueva Vizcaya, OGPI, through the leadership of its President Atty. Joan Adaci-Cattiling, continues to implement their IP Culture Revitalization Program which helps ensure that indigenous peoples are able to practice their culture and pass it on to the younger generation.
Up North in Nueva Vizcaya, OGPI, through the leadership of its President Atty. Joan Adaci-Cattiling, continues to implement their IP Culture Revitalization Program which helps ensure that indigenous peoples are able to practice their culture and pass it on to the younger generation.
According to the data coming from the MGB, over 6.7 million residents have benefitted from the protection of socio-cultural values component of the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP).
According to the data coming from the MGB, over 6.7 million residents have benefitted from the protection of socio-cultural values component of the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP).
Investing in the youth
Investing in the youth

Hon. Leah Patan, Vice-Mayor of Claver, Surigao del Norte shares stories on how the industry has helped her constituents. Photo source: Better Mining, Brighter Future
Hon. Leah Patan, Vice-Mayor of Claver, Surigao del Norte shares stories on how the industry has helped her constituents. Photo source: Better Mining, Brighter Future
Education provides pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and economic stability, helping enable individuals to lift themselves out of poverty and contribute meaningfully to their communities. However, not everyone may afford quality education. That is why in Claver, Surigao del Norte, Vice Mayor Patan acknowledges the industry's contribution in providing college assistance, especially to those in need.
Education provides pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and economic stability, helping enable individuals to lift themselves out of poverty and contribute meaningfully to their communities. However, not everyone may afford quality education. That is why in Claver, Surigao del Norte, Vice Mayor Patan acknowledges the industry's contribution in providing college assistance, especially to those in need.
She shared, "For us here in Claver, education is very expensive. Walang opportunity ang mga kabataan dito to go to school. But a few years ago, when the mining industry opened its college assistance for Clavernons, parang nabuhayan kami.”
She shared, "For us here in Claver, education is very expensive. Walang opportunity ang mga kabataan dito to go to school. But a few years ago, when the mining industry opened its college assistance for Clavernons, parang nabuhayan kami.”
(For us here in Claver, education is very expensive. The youth here have no opportunity to go to school. But a few years ago, when the mining industry opened its college assistance for Clavernons, it felt like we were given a new hope.)
(For us here in Claver, education is very expensive. The youth here have no opportunity to go to school. But a few years ago, when the mining industry opened its college assistance for Clavernons, it felt like we were given a new hope.)
Under the education component of the SDMP, over 1.1 million have benefited from the assistance provided by the industry across the country, according to the MGB.
Under the education component of the SDMP, over 1.1 million have benefited from the assistance provided by the industry across the country, according to the MGB.
These programs include scholarships, financial and school assistance, construction and renovation of school buildings, and provisions of school supplies and learning materials to name a few.
These programs include scholarships, financial and school assistance, construction and renovation of school buildings, and provisions of school supplies and learning materials to name a few.
Further illustrating the support received from the SDMP, Mechelou Cuartero, a teacher from Hayanggabon Elementary School in Surigao del Norte shared that the school now has laptops and desktops.
Further illustrating the support received from the SDMP, Mechelou Cuartero, a teacher from Hayanggabon Elementary School in Surigao del Norte shared that the school now has laptops and desktops.
"'Dati, chalk and board lang kami. Wala kaming magagamit na mga technology equipment sa pagtuturo. Hanggang nanunuod lang kami sa TV. Pero dahil sa tulong ng mining industry, nakamit namin o naranasan din namin ang paggamit ng technology dahil binibigyan nila kami ng computers, laptops, at desktops,” Teacher Cuartero shared.
"'Dati, chalk and board lang kami. Wala kaming magagamit na mga technology equipment sa pagtuturo. Hanggang nanunuod lang kami sa TV. Pero dahil sa tulong ng mining industry, nakamit namin o naranasan din namin ang paggamit ng technology dahil binibigyan nila kami ng computers, laptops, at desktops,” Teacher Cuartero shared.
(Before, we were just using chalk and board. We did not have technology equipment to use for teaching. We only watched TV. But because of the assistance provided by the mining industry, we were able to achieve or rather experience the use of technology because they provided us with computers, laptops, desktops.)
(Before, we were just using chalk and board. We did not have technology equipment to use for teaching. We only watched TV. But because of the assistance provided by the mining industry, we were able to achieve or rather experience the use of technology because they provided us with computers, laptops, desktops.)
Community engagement
Community engagement
Hon. Millard Villanueva, Municipal Mayor of Concepcion, Iloilo shares his thoughts on how communities can benefit from good mining practices. Photo source: Better Mining, Brighter Future
Hon. Millard Villanueva, Municipal Mayor of Concepcion, Iloilo shares his thoughts on how communities can benefit from good mining practices. Photo source: Better Mining, Brighter Future
SDMPs serve as a collaborative platform where mining companies, the local government, and the community come together to bridge the gaps in both physical and social infrastructures within the communities they operate in.
SDMPs serve as a collaborative platform where mining companies, the local government, and the community come together to bridge the gaps in both physical and social infrastructures within the communities they operate in.
Hon. Millard Villanueva, the Municipal Mayor of Concepcion, Iloilo stressed the importance of proper coordination of the mining companies with the local government. He believes in a better future for the communities if good mining practices are implemented.
Hon. Millard Villanueva, the Municipal Mayor of Concepcion, Iloilo stressed the importance of proper coordination of the mining companies with the local government. He believes in a better future for the communities if good mining practices are implemented.
"We have to make an agreement that all of the activities should be, what we call, proper coordination with the local government. If we could implement good mining practices, we’ll promote a better future for the community," Mayor Villanueva highlighted.
"We have to make an agreement that all of the activities should be, what we call, proper coordination with the local government. If we could implement good mining practices, we’ll promote a better future for the community," Mayor Villanueva highlighted.
The future of the industry
The future of the industry
As the world's 5th most mineralized country, the nation has an opportunity to take advantage of what the industry may contribute to both the local and national economy.
As the world's 5th most mineralized country, the nation has an opportunity to take advantage of what the industry may contribute to both the local and national economy.
Responsible mining presents an opportunity to help stimulate economic growth, generate employment opportunities, and drive infrastructure development. Placing priority on environmental protection and sustainability, the industry's commitment to responsible mining ensures that the bounty derived from the earth is matched by the industry's contribution to its preservation, paving the foundation for a bright future for the Philippines.
Responsible mining presents an opportunity to help stimulate economic growth, generate employment opportunities, and drive infrastructure development. Placing priority on environmental protection and sustainability, the industry's commitment to responsible mining ensures that the bounty derived from the earth is matched by the industry's contribution to its preservation, paving the foundation for a bright future for the Philippines.
Watch the 'Living with a Brighter Future" documentary here:
Watch the 'Living with a Brighter Future" documentary here:
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