In an effort to guide the mining stakeholders in the development of their Social Development Management Program (SDMP), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 2 has recently oriented on Enterprise Development and Networking the three large-scale mining companies in the region namely; Didipio Mine, FCF Minerals Corporation, and Dinapigue Mining Corporation (DMC) at the Casa Jardin, Santiago City in Isabela.

 

Regional Director Mario Ancheta of MGB Region 2 in his welcome message said, “The social development and management program is one government initiative to implement and ensure sustainable development in the host and neighboring communities of mining companies. This is a good opportunity to learn from one another, to benchmark our best practices so we can better equip our communities to be sustainable and self-sufficient through enterprise development.”

 

MGB Region 2 Senior Science Research Specialist Maribeth Tumaliuan discussed existing policies on SDMP while representatives from mining companies presented their existing development and management plans.

 

In the orientation, Didipio Mine Community Relations (ComRel) Manager Nerry Langres, Community Development Supervisor Vincent Flores, and Community Development Superintendent Peter Benaires respectively discussed the overview of the SDMP allocation in their host and neighboring communities (HNCs), livelihood updates in communities, and social impact assessment of the company’s SDMP.

 

Moreover, FCF ComRel Superintendent Judy Ann Romero presented the findings and recommendations of the 1st SDMP for 2017-2022 implementation and the status of the implementation of their program on enterprise development; while DMC ComRel Supervisor Maria Perpetua De la Cruz discussed the development of their HNCs.

 

Meanwhile, DENR Cagayan Valley Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan explained the strategic planning program to enhance the SDMP implementation. She underscored the importance of DENR Administrative Order No. 2020-12 to promote the general welfare of the people in the communities where the mining area is located.

 

Director Bambalan who initiated the conduct of the event emphasized the SDMP implementation areas of concern of the mining companies such as capacity building on project management, organizational development, entrepreneurship, and skills development and training.

 

The orientation was also participated in by barangay local government unit councils; representatives from the federations, cooperatives, and community organizations of the HNCs of the respective mining companies; and other DENR and mining personnel.

 

The participants discussed their views and suggestions during the open forum moderated by MGB R2 Supervising Science Research Specialist Demetrio Corsino.#

 

Photos and story by MGB R2