27/07/2026
๐๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ ๐๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ: ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ญ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐จ ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐จ๐งโ๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐
Protecting our natural resources isn't a task any single agency can tackle alone. It takes a coordinated, unified effort on the ground. Recognizing this, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XI (MGB XI), in partnership with the Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (RLECC) XI, recently conducted a comprehensive Mining Deputization Seminar. Grounded in the theme "Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration in Protecting Mineral Resources and Combating Illegal Mining."
Illegal mining does more than bypass regulationsโit threatens local ecosystems, deprives communities of lawful economic benefits, and creates significant safety hazards. Building a resilient defense requires empowering our partners in law enforcement with a clear understanding of environmental laws and enforcement procedures.
Through deputization, designated officers gain the regulatory insight and authority required to assist in monitoring, apprehending, and prosecuting violators effectively across the region. Spearheaded by Mines Management Division Chief Atty. Brenice Ann Gendeve-Castillo, EM, the intensive seminar equipped frontline officers with key legal frameworks and sustainable practices, featuring discussions on:
1. Understanding Republic Act No. 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995)
Participants walked through the core provisions of R.A. 7942, examining the legal boundaries governing mineral exploration, extraction, and utilization. Topics included:
2. Policy, Governance, and Sustainable Mineral Development
Beyond basic enforcement, the discussions emphasized why responsible mining matters. Technical experts highlighted how strict governance and policy compliance safeguard surrounding communities and eco-systems.
By equipping our partner law enforcers with key regulatory tools, we are scaling up our effort to protect our ecosystems and secure sustainable mineral development across the region.