MGB-10 updates on “Use it or lose it” DENR Policy

Summary of Approved Mining Rights/Permits Quarter Ending June 2011

(See Geohazard on Page 7..)

Official Publication of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 10Volume XI No. 2 April - 2011June

APPLICATIONSMINING RIGHTS/PERMITS APPROVED

1. Mining Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA)

2. Mining/Loade/Placer Lease Contracts

3. Industrial Sand and Gravel (ISAG)

a. Issued by MGB

b. Issued by LGU

7

4. Financial Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA)

5. Exploration Permit (EP)

6. Accreditation for Mineral Trading/Dealers/Retailers

Processors of Mineral Productions and By-Products

8. Small-scale Mining Permit

9. Mineral Processing Permit

7. Commercial Sand and Gravel Permits

2

7

9-

8

2

3

4

6

7

8

8

Training for the Correct Usage of Rain Gauge

(See P-Noy on Page 7..)

Posters Crying for help...

Opinion

News Nuggets

Photo Gallery

MGB 10… Shining Moments

Helpful Guide

Summary of Approved Mining

Rights/Permits Quarter Ending

32

7

.

17

LINKAGE GUIDESecond Quarter 2011 Issue

h e t e n e m e n t c l e a n s i n g

undertaken by the Mines and

Geosciences Bureau nationwide over

idled mining applications filed with the

MGB Regional Offices will soon hit its

deadline come June 30, 2011. Mining

applications that include applications

for Industrial Sand and Gravel Permit

(ISAG), Exploration Permit (EP), Mineral

Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA)

and the Financial and Technical

Assistance Agreement (FTAA) were the

subject of the said cleansing.

To recall, In March 12. 2010,

then DENR Secretary Horacio C. Ramos

signed Memorandum Order No. 2010-

04 mandating the total cleansing of

tenements thru the denial of mining applications filed with incomplete mandatory requirements and those which have not

been complied and perfected the application requirements within the prescribed period set by the regulatory agency.

Presently, the Regional Offices are under strict Orders to complete the cleansing process under the said “use it or

lose it” Policy. The cleansing process even affect those who are already holders of permits but fail to comply with certain

mandatory requirements such as the implementation of the 3 years development/utilization work program or Exploration

Work Program for two consecutive years.

The move is in line with the ongoing thrust of the Government to revitalize and to provide renewed support to the

Philippine Minerals Industry viewed as a major investment area - as source of national and local revenues and likewise as an

avenue to support countryside development, hence, it has gained the support of the present Administration.

So far, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Regional Office No. 10 has denied fifty nine (59) mining applications comprising of

permit applications for Industrial Sand and Gravel, Mineral Production Sharing Agreement and Exploration Permit. Four (4)

mining applications were forwarded and endorsed to MGB Central in Manila for further evaluation, processing and approval

while twenty two (22) are still subject to the cleansing process in the region.

As of May, 2011, MGB-10 has already accomplished sixty-seven (67%) of the cleansing process under the 'use it or

lose it” policy over pending mining applications.

The Mines and Geosciences

Bureau-10 in coordination with the Office

o f t h e P h i l i p p i n e At m o s p h e r i c ,

Geophysical and Astronomical Services

(PAGASA), Cagayan de Oro City and the

Office of the Civil Defense, conducted a

training on the Correct Usage of Rain

Gauge in June 21-22, 2011 held at the

Iligan Cement Corporation Training Hall in

Kiwalan, Iligan City.

Signing of Annual SDMP

Medicine Turn-over

June 2, 2011

June 8, 2011

The Unified Annual Social Development and Management Program

(SDMP) of Iligan Cement Corporation and Mindanao Portland Cement

Corporation was finally signed by MGB-10 Regional Director Alfredo T.

Relampagos last June 2, 2011. The signing was conducted at the Iligan

Cement Training Hall of the said company and was confirmed by ICC Vice-

President Danilo C. Trugellio. The signing was also attended by the

different ICC Division Managers and host barangay officials of Kiwalan,

Acmac, Dalipuga, Sta. Filomena, Bonbonon Bunawan and Paniangan.

Medicines for coughs and colds, paracetamol, first aide treatment and

vitamins for children were turned-over to the Social Development and

Management Program (SDMP) communities of Ms. Emma R. Casiño in

June 8, 2011. Ms. Casiño is an Industrial Sand and Gravel Permit Holder

with area located at Brgy. Odiongan, Ginoog City. The community was so

glad that SDMP has augmented their medicines allocation being scarcely

subsidized by the local government.

.

(see rain guage on Page 6)

NEWS NUGGETS

EDITORIAL BOARD

EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS

ALFREDO T. RELAMPAGOSOIC - Regional Director

OSIN A. SINSUAT, JR.OIC - Geosciences Division

RODANTE B. FELINAOIC - Mine Management Division

PAUL C. SALISEChief Mining Environment and

Safety Division

JEROME N. VENTICChief Administrative and

Finance Division

ATTY. CHRISTINE T. UY-LUAttorney III

EDITORIAL STAFFCECILIA C. TANEditor-In-Chief

RAMON S. HONG, JR.Layout Artist

OFFICE ADDRESS:

EMAIL:

TELEPHONE NUMBER:

FAX NUMBER

Department of Environment and

Natural Resources

MINES AND GEOSCIENCES BUREAU R10

Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City

denrmgb10@yahoo.com

iecsdmp_mgb10@yahoo.com

(088) 856 2110

(088) 856 1331

www.mgb10.com

72

Posters Crying for Help…

LIBERTY B. DAITIASEMS

part from conducting Educational

Tours, lectures, forums, symposiums, press

conference, quiz bowls, sport competition

radio and TV guestings and the very basic

t r e e p l a n t i n g / n u r t u r i n g d u r i n g

Environment Month Celebration , MGB-10

conceptualized an activity for the

youth/students, specifically, that could

HELPFUL GUIDEWhat is Osteoarthritis?

steoarthritis

(OA), also referred to

as degenerative joint

disease, DJD or wear-

and-tear arthritis, is

the most common

form of arthritis and is caused by the

breakdown of cartilage in one or more

joints. Cartilage acts as a cushion

between the bones of joints. When

there is cartilage loss, a joint can

become bone-on-bone, which is very

painful for the patient.

O s t e o a r t h r i t i s w h i c h i s

considered “primary” is mostly a

consequence of aging. Water content of

cartilage increases while protein

composition of cartilage degenerates.

Besides aging, factors which may

increase the risk of developing

osteoarthritis include:

· Injury to joints

· Repetitive use of joints

· Being overweight

· Stressing the joints

· Family history

Secondary osteoarthritis can develop as

a consequence of another disease or

condition.

Osteoarthritis predominantly affects

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

What symptoms are associated with

osteoarthritis?

the joints, unlike other types of

arthritis which may have systematic

effects. The most common symptom

associated with osteoarthritis is pain in

the affected joint after repeated use.

Joint pain is often worse later in the

day. The affected joints can swell, feel

warm, and become stiff after

prolonged inactivity. Osteoarthritis

can occur with other forms of arthritis

simultaneously. Bone spurs and bony

enlargements (nodes) are also

characteristic of osteoarthritis.

X-rays of affected joints can show joint

damage associated with osteoarthritis

(i.e. cartilage loss, narrowing of joint

space, bone spurs).

Blood tests are not used to diagnose

osteoarthritis, but may be used to rule

out other conditions. Arthrocentesis,

joint fluid removal, and joint fluid

analysis are possible procedures to

assess osteoarthritis. If necessary,

arthroscopy, a surgical technique can

allow doctors to visualize the joint

space and abnormalities which can

possibly be repaired.

Treatment options for osteoarthritis

focus on pain and restoring function to

How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?

How is Osteoarthritis treated?

enhance their God's given talent in Art thru drawing and painting.

Inspired by the theme “Protection and Preservation of Mother Earth”, MGB-10

hosted/conducted its second Poster Making Contest last June, as one of the highlights of

the Environment Month Celebration.

1. To solicit personal ideas from the participants regarding the protection and

preservation of Mother Earth

The Poster Making Contest was anchored on the following objectives:

2. To enhance better understanding

on the respective roles and

responsibilities of the youth being

stewards of Planet Earth

3. To provide the participants the

opportunity to explore their

thoughts, express their feelings in

drawing and painting based on the

theme

4. To provide them an avenue to develop their skills in art

5. To impart to the youth/students that environmental protection is not just the

concern of the regulatory agency but it is EVERYBODY's CONCERN

The Poster making contest had different categories divided into two levels, Level

1 comprising the elementary pupils and

Level 2 for secondary students. Students in

Level 1 will be interpreting their work using

crayons while those Level 2 will do their

work with water colors.

Participants to the contest were

elementary and secondary students from

the mining communities of Il igan

Corporation specifically from Barangays

Kiwalan, Bunawan, Acmac, Dalipuga, Sta.

Fi lomena and Barangay Paniagan,

Manticao, Misamis Oriental.

The activity was held in June 22,

2011 at the DENR-10 covered Court at 2:00

P.M. Board of Judges include Forester Fidel

B. Gamos of the DENR-10 Forest

Management Services, Ms. Lolita Baguio-

Community Relations Officer of Iligan Cement Corporation and Mr. Benjamin T. Contreras

from the Print Media who was the chair of the board. The posters were judged based on

the following criteria “

Creativity and Presentation…………. 40%

Relevance to the Theme…………..…. 40%

Originality………………………...…….…. 20%

For a total of 100%.

Winners for Level 1 are:

Winners for Level 2 are:

1st prize – Mishiel E. Bonane – Brgy. Paniangan

2nd prize – Julyne Kaye Caparida – Sta. Filomena

3rd prize – Jason James A. Baguio – Brgy. Acmac

1st prize – Imarie R. Padilla – Brgy. Sta. Filomena

2nd prize – Ehrin Marie Palahang – Brgy. Kiwalan

3rd prize – Jessa Mae G. Cagas –Brgy. Paniangan

Winners in the Level 1 category received cash prizes in the amount of P 2,000.00 for the 1st prize, P1, 500.00 second

prize and P1, 000.00 for the third prize. Non-winners were given cash prizes of P500.00 each while winners in the Level 2

ategory were given P3, 000.00 for the 1st prize, P2, 000.00 for the 2nd prize and P1, 000.00 for the 3rd prize while non-

winners were also given P500.00 each.

the affected joint.

· Physical treatments –

weight reduct ion, exerc i se ,

supports, heat, rest

· Medication- topical, oral or

injectible medications to relief pain

and inflammation

· Alternative treatments or

dietary supplements – massage

therapy, acupuncture, etc.

· Surgical treatments –

arthroscopy or joint replacement

Osteoarthrit is is a common

condition associated with aging.

· Osteoarthritis affects over

16% of the Filipino population

(source:DOH)

· Osteoarthr i t i s affects

people over 45 years

Maintaining healthy weight is

important. According to the

Arthritis Foundation, for every

pound of weight lost, there is a four

reduction in the load exerted on the

knee for each step taken.

Osteoarthritis Prevalence

P o i n t s o f I n t e r e s t a b o u t

osteoarthritis

Source: eHow.com

Compiled by: Liberty Daitia

posters.. (continued from Page 2)

(See P-Noy on Page 7..)

(see posters on Page 7)

36

57th.. OPINIONSMGB 10… Shining Moments

GB-10 stood out at this year's Environment Month

Celebration for besting twice, the rest of the sectors in the

different competitions held during the month of June.

Garnering the crown for the search of Miss DENR 2011

Sportsfest was MGB-10 representative Ms. Ailet Regalado who is

presently assigned at the Mine Management Division. Ms.

Regalado won over five other contestants representing the Office

of the RED, Forest Management Services, Lands Management

Services, Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management

Services and from the Environmental Management Bureau. Aside

from winning the crown, she also emerged as best in Sports attire.

The title won her a cash prize of Four thousand pesos.

MGB-10 won first prize in the exhibit/open house

contest which is anchored on this year's Environment Celebration

theme that is “Forests: Nature at your Service” which was held

within the DENR-10 compound. This contest is also one of the

highlights lined-up for the Month's activities. The Open house

was participated by the different DENR sectors in Region 10

including the two lined Bureaus or the Mines and Geosciences

Bureau and the Environmental Management Bureau. MGB-10

on its part was supported by Holcim Philippines Manufacturing

Corporation (HPMC), Lugait Plant and Iligan Cement

Corporation (ICC) in Kiwalan, Iligan City. The exhibit centered on

Responsible Mining depicting social aspects and environmental

protection initiatives highlighting establishment of mining

forest adopted by large scale mining companies in the Region.

Livelihood products of the Social Development and

Management Program (SDMP) communities of HPMC, Lugait-

Misamis Oriental and Iligan Cement Corporation such as

Calamansi juice, Bibingka and school bags like backpacks were

also displayed and sold. Several sacks of cement from ICC were

also displayed. An LCD was installed in the MGB -10 Booth to

facilitate viewings of films and clippings relative to Responsible

Mining Operations, Global Warming and Climate Change.

or this issue, we would like to share to the readers the Opinion of the writer regarding MINING…

Did you know that our country is endowed with vast and rich metallic and non-metallic mineral resources such as gold, silver, copper,

nickel, cal, limestone, bentonite, silica, etc.?

Did you know that when these natural resources are properly and expeditiously explored, developed and transformed by the mining

industry into productive and profitable states, they help power, propel, and accelerate the national progress and stability of our country and

To mine or not to mine Reprinted from the Philippine Star OPINION Column

Philippine Star May 31, 2011 issue

consequently enhance the quality of life of our people?

Did you know that the mining industry is a cornerstone and major

integral part and backbone of progressive and rich nations of the world in

attaining a better quality of life for their people – which they are enjoying now?

In short, did you know that minerals play a vital and invaluable role in

our everyday lives?

In this connection, the time has come to defend the mining industry

against venomous criticisms and accusations by financially well-oiled

propaganda machines that urge the stoppage of mining operations in the

country because, they allege, mining is the number one destroyer of our

environment, and it does not help the country at all.

The idea of stopping mining operations in the country is unthinkable.

Can you imagine the adverse effect to our country and people if and when we

stop mining? Did you know the beneficial effect to employment generations and

inward investment development that the mining industry provides the country?

Hence this “blame game syndrome” and “pointing fingers” against mining or the

mining industry must stop.

Can you imagine if President Aquino agrees and accept the concerted efforts and propaganda to stop mining? That would be a disaster to

the future of our country, and could be an unfortunate decision in attaining economic prosperity and stability for the country.

We've heard environmentalists and indigenous groups viciously attack present mining operations and explorations of mineral resources

in the country. They cite the destruction of the environment, physical hazards and livelihood sources experienced by residents in mining sites. The

Marcopper Mining disaster of the 1990s caused by the overflow of mining tailings is always brought up as an argument against mining operations.

Government and private mining guidelines to preserve lives and the environment are unheeded forces that condemn mining activities as

diabolical per se. It behooves proponents of mining to launch massive educational campaigns to promote a positive image of mining.

We have listened to anti-mining proponents, and just lately, mining advocates and practitioners, in the persons of Art Disini, Chairman

and Philipp Romualdez, president of the Chamber of Mining Industries, and Jerry Brimo, president and CEO of a company called Nickel Asia

Corporation.

Brimo told media persons at Bulong Pulungan that “anti-mining elements do not distinguish between formal large-scale mining and small

scale mining. Small-scale mining, which is illegal, is largely being used by small-scale miners to recover gold and they do not know that mercury is

extremely harmful (to their health) as it is to the environment.”

Nor do anti-mining elements distinguish the pre-1995 Mining Act and the post -1995 Mining Act. “When they bring up examples of past

operations that have closed down, where little or no rehabilitation has taken place that is a pre-1995 Mining Act phenomenon. The mining laws in

the Philippines, and indeed all over the world, have changed considerably, because we are now all environmentally conscious – because the world

today is much more heavily populated than years ago – and because we are now as well aware of the issue of finite resources and climate change,

and that is why the principles of sustainable development have been formulated.”

Romualdez and Disini told an informal forum that it is the small-scale miners, who are given permits by local government executives, who

inflict damage on the environment. Small-scale mining applications come by the thousands, but only a handful is approved by the Department of

Environment and Natural Resources. During the last 20 years, only 339 Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSAs) have been approved, but

only 2 percent are in commercial production.

We did not know that investors (foreign and local) spend billions just to go into the initial exploration of potential mineral-rich areas. The

huge investments, going up to the billions of pesos, many times end up lost when the explorations yield nothing. The investments are in the billions

for operations, including building of factories.

Romualdez said that Philippines has the fifth most extensive mineral deposits in the world. It has gold, silver, copper, nickel, chromite,

and other metallic minerals. It is also endowed with non-metallic industrial minerals, such as marble, limestone, clays, feldspar, rock agrregates,

dolomite, bentonite, guano and other quarry resources. “The mining industry can therefore be a major contributor to the national economy”, said

Romualdez.

Romualdez added, 'As long as mineral resources development is undertaken under a regime of good governance, responsible mining

practices and equitable sharing of the economic benefits to the affected communities, our country's rich minerals potential will go a long way in

supporting national development and poverty alleviations goals”.

The contributions of the mining industry come in the form of taxes to the government, livelihood generation, and investments in

infrastructure, housing for employees and social project ts for the communities.

As to why the church seems to be allied with anti-mining protestors, Disini showed documents revealing that the RC Archbishop of

Manila, the Religious of the Virgin Mary-B, the archbishop of Zamboanga and the Religious of the Virgin Mary-A belong to the Top 100 stock holders

of Philex Mining per the Philex Mining Corporation report of March 3, 2011. So the priestly protestors are few

The training was attended by the local officials of the three

(3) mining communities of Iligan Cement Corporation namely:

Barangays Kiwalan, Sta. Filomena and Paniangan of Manticao,

Misamis Oriental.

During the training, Assistant Regional Director, Ms. Anne

Cañeda of the Civil Defense Office lectured on the “Overview of

Philippine Disaster Preparedness Program” while Engr. Paul C. Salise

lectured on Floods and Landslide, Identification of Flood Prone

Areas and on the Identification, Construction of Permanent Flood

Markers” while PAGASA Director Ricardo Mercado presented on the

“Weather Causing Phenomena Affecting the Philippines”, he also

conducted a hands-on training on the correct usage of the rain gauge

equipment on the same occasion.

The purchase of the three rain gauges were made under

the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) on the

mining company, upon the recommendation of MGB-10 during the

project planning activity in March 2001. This is the project of Iligan

Cement Corporation along with the company's seven mining

communities namely: Barangays Kiwalan, Acmac, Dalipuga,

Bunawan, Bonbonon, Sta. Filomena, Iligan City and Barangay

Paniangan of the Municipality of Manticao, Misamis Oriental.

SDMP is a vital component of a responsible mining

operation that is anchored on the five pillars like livelihood (core

pillar), Education, Health, Infrastructure and environment

disaster management. Every permit holder of a legitimate mining

operation is mandated to implement the Social Development and

Management Program as provided under R.A. 7942 or the

Philippine Mining Act of 1995 which funding is derived from the

company's 1% of their direct mining and milling cost.

The recommendation to purchase the said equipment is

an action in response to the geohazard assessment conducted by

MGB-10, classifying and identifying Barangays Kiwalan, Sta.

Filomena and Paniangan as flood prone areas. In fact, there had

already been flooding incidents that occurred in certain parts of

these three barangays. The rain gauge will serve as a monitoring

devise to determine the quantity of rainfall in each barangay and

to serve as warning tool in case of flood in the said areas.

To ensure effective operation of the equipment, MGB-10

in coordination with PAGASA and the Office of the Civil Defense

initiated a training to teach the participants on the correct usage

of the rain gauge and likewise to enhance their knowledge and

awareness on Disaster Preparedness. Apparently, the mandate of

the Mines and Geosciences Bureau is not limited only to mineral

development but also to achieve safety for the people and the

protection of the environment.

rain guage.. (continued from Page 1)

By: Domini M. Torrevillas

54

Getting ready for the sports parade at the DENR 10 grounds

Ms. Ailet Regalado in her kalikasan outfit

Winning best in sports attire

with RED Corazon Galinato and other officials

the reigning 2011 Miss DENR-10 Sportsfest

the MGB-10 booth that bested other participating sectors

the Holy Mass... on top of all activities of the

Environment Month Celebration