State Control Over Mineral Resources and Environmental Policy
- Exploration, development, and utilization of mineral resources are under State control and supervision.
- State policy protects the right to a balanced and healthful ecology in harmony with nature.
Potential of Philippine Mineral Resources
- The country possesses vast mineral resources significant for economic development and poverty alleviation, particularly in rural areas.
State Responsibility Under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995
- The State must promote rational exploration, development, utilization, and conservation of mineral resources.
- This involves joint efforts between government and the private sector.
- Emphasizes sustainable growth, environmental protection, and community rights.
International Commitments on Sustainable Mining
- Mining’s importance to economic and social development is recognized globally.
- Calls for addressing environmental, economic, health, and social impacts.
- Enhances stakeholder participation throughout mining operational life cycles.
Key Government Agency for Mineral Resource Management
- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is the primary agency for conservation, management, development, and proper use of mineral resources.
Government Policy on Responsible Mineral Development
- Promote responsible exploration, development, and utilization of minerals.
- Enhance economic growth adhering to sustainable development principles.
- Consider justice, equity, cultural sensitivity, and Philippine sovereignty.
Guiding Principles for Mining Industry Development
- Recognize investment’s role in national development and poverty alleviation.
- Support sustained exploration programs, research, and manpower capability building.
- Establish clear, stable, and predictable investment and regulatory policies.
- Pursue value-adding through downstream industry development for productivity.
- Promote small-scale mining as a formal sector within development initiatives.
- Adopt efficient technologies for judicious extraction and optimum resource use.
- Prioritize environmental protection including mitigation and progressive rehabilitation.
- Uphold ecological integrity, biodiversity, and small island ecosystems.
- Implement mining within multiple land use and sustainable utilization frameworks.
- Prioritize remediation and rehabilitation of abandoned mines.
- Equitably share economic and social benefits among government units and affected communities.
- Conduct ongoing information, education, communication campaigns to raise public awareness.
- Institue continuous meaningful consultations with all stakeholders for policymaking.
Governance and Implementation Strategies
- Foundations include transparency, accountability, partnership, equity, efficiency, and sustainability.
Formulation of a Strategic Mineral Action Plan (MAP)
- The DENR leads the formulation of the MAP based on guiding principles and strategies.
- MAP includes strategic directions, rules, and regulations for mineral resource activities.
- Guidelines for simplifying and streamlining permits and clearances.
- Consultations involve multiple government agencies, the mining industry, and civil society.
- A draft MAP is to be submitted to the Office of the President within 90 days of the Order’s approval.
Interagency Support and Collaboration
- All government departments and agencies must prioritize supporting the MAP formulation.
Effectivity
- The Executive Order takes immediate effect upon issuance.