President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to require small and large-scale mining firms to ensure safe working conditions for mining workers.
In a meeting with the DENR, Marcos Jr. called out the failure of certain mining firms, especially those involved in illegal activities. He added that the firms must provide adequate safety measures inside their mining facilities.
“Ang kawawa diyan ‘yung mga miners. They have no safety. Ang daming namamatay,” Marcos Jr. said.
Marcos noted that there is a need to enhance the industry’s social protection and security for workers.
Furthermore, he ordered the DENR to address certain bottlenecks in order to regulate the small-scale mining industry.
“Gusto natin ma-legalize ang mga small-scale mining firms kasi marami sa kanila illegal, kaya walang protection ang mga minero. Gusto nating palakasin ang regulatory framework para maka-operate sila ng legal, upang mabigyan ang ating minero ng assistance at protection para sa ligtas nilang pagtatrabaho” Marcos Jr. noted.
