RESPONSIBLE MINING, IBINANDERA: MGB’s stronger info campaign focuses on youth

Davao Region’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB 11) stressed the need for the youth to be involved and be the focus of the agency’s stronger information, education, and communication campaign (IEC), Regional Director Jasper Alberto Lascano said in a workshop-conference Thursday, March 7, 2019.

The event was the 6^th National Mining, Geology, and Metallurgy workshop-conference where MGB partnered with the National Mining, Geology, and Metallurgy Students Organization and other large-scale mining companies in the Davao region.

Getting to further involve the youth on talks regarding responsible mining and the current condition of the Philippine mineral industry was the goal of the said event where high school and college students from different schools in Davao City were in attendance.

There, Lascano explained the importance of providing the youth proper scientific and factual information so they can decide for themselves what are the benefits of responsible mining.

“We are very happy to be participating in this campaign because whatever it is the MGB is doing together with the DENR, our efforts cannot come into full permission without the support of all stakeholders most especially the youth,” Lascano said in a report by SunStar.com.

MGB 11’s regional director also said in the same report that if only people knew the laws, regulations, and frameworks of the mining industry, they will see the guidelines and strict rules observed when it comes to mining.

Various groups such as local government units, local civic groups, government and non-government organizations, and media outlet helped the MGB 11 with its mentioned IEC strengthening in order to address the negative perception of mining operations in the country.