Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc and the Provincial Government’s Trade and Investment Promotions Center (INvest Office) participated in the 68th Annual National Mining Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) in Baguio City from November 15 to 18, 2022.
The conference was organized by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association to promote occupational safety and health, environmental management, social responsibility, and responsible mining.
During his meeting with mining companies and stakeholders, Gov. Marcos Manotoc encouraged local and global investors in the sustainable mining sector to help establish the mining industry in Ilocos Norte.
This is in line with his aim to progress mineral investment, which ensures the economic and sustainable future of local communities while managing the environmental and social impacts of its operations.
In particular, he highlighted the province’s alignment with the Philippine Mineral Roadmap in the promotion of responsible mining as an economic driver in the country and support for priority mining projects that will eventually progress to development and commercial extraction.
Gov. Marcos Manotoc also set up a meeting with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary, Ma. Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga, who was also present at the conference, to discuss the DENR River Restoration Project in Ilocos Norte.
During the meeting, both the Provincial Government and DENR raised significant concerns and suggested policies that would guarantee the project’s success while preserving the province’s quarry industry’s ability to conduct business.
Moreover, participants, including the INvest Office, established their respective booths to exhibit their achievements and milestones in Responsible Mining and also to present themselves for potential business opportunities.
The event also paid tribute to the different mining companies who excelled in various fields, such as the “Best Mine Forest Program,” “Best Supervisor,” “Best Miners,” and others in various Metallic And Non-Metallic categories, Open Pit and Underground Mining, Exploration, and Processing, among others.－Allyssa Charisse G. Magno, Geraldine R. Ulep, Kenneth Dhovan Natividad, PGIN-CMO Interns
