02/06/2026
๐๐จ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ง๐-๐๐ญ๐จ๐ฉ ๐๐ก๐จ๐ฉ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ-๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐จ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ฅ
In a major step toward strengthening responsible and sustainable mining, government agencies and local stakeholders participated in a Mobile One-Stop Shop (MOSS) for the small-scale mining sector on May 28โ29, 2026, at the Technopark in Mati City, Davao Oriental.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office XI (MGB-XI), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region XI (DENR-XI), and the Provincial Local Government Units of Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental led the two-day initiative, which brought essential mining-related government services directly to small-scale miners, cooperatives, and associations across the region. The activity aimed to strengthen the implementation of legal, responsible, and sustainable mining practices.
The event was spearheaded by MGB-XI Regional Director Beverly Mae Brebante, with the strong support from key officials including DENR-XI Assistant Regional Executive Director Victor T. Billones alongside Central Officeโs MGB Director Larry Heradez, Assistant Director Karlo Queaรฑo, and MGB-XII representative John Mikel Ansao.
In his welcome message, Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang Sr. emphasized the importance of balancing economic development with environmental protection.
โWhile we recognize its economic value, we also believe that mining must be done responsibly. Development should go hand in hand with environmental protection and compliance with the law,โ he said.
Assistant Secretary for Field Mining Concerns Engr. Michael V. Cabalda likewise encouraged small-scale miners to maximize the opportunity to improve compliance and strengthen responsible operations.
โTo our small-scale miners, I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Let us work together towards legal, responsible, and sustainable mining practices. Let us demonstrate that economic development and environmental protection are not opposing goals, but shared responsibilities,โ Engr. Cabalda stated.
The MOSS initiative produced several key outcomes for the sector, including the declaration of five (5) Minahang Bayan areas, the approval of two (2) Interim Small-Scale Mining Contracts (SSMC), and the granting of two (2) Regular Small-Scale Mining Contracts.
Capacity-building efforts were also reinforced through safety training sessions attended by 161 small-scale miners. In addition, 17 cooperatives and associations received direct assistance and guidance on Mine Safety Rules and Regulations.
The initiative underscores the governmentโs continued efforts to formalize and strengthen the small-scale mining sector through improved regulation, safety compliance, and institutional support.
Through the collaborative efforts of national government agencies, local government units, and mining stakeholders, the MOSS program continues to promote responsible mining governance and support sustainable economic growth in mining communities across the Davao Region.