Small-scale mining associations are eyeing for possible approval of a minahang bayan certification from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Cordillera of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Baguio City.
MGB Engineer Alfred Genetiano said during the weekly Talakayan sa Environment Code radio forum of the Baguio Regreening Movement (BRM) that these six small-scale mining groups are located at the outskirts of the city particularly at Kennon Road, Atok trail, Kias, and one at the Philippine Military Academy area where PMA have denied the issuance of a clearance.
“Our Central Office have released the result of its initial review, one is the requirement for consent of the private landowner if the area is not within a private land, there is also a finding that if it is within a watershed, it is a no go for mining,” Genetiano was quoted in a Sunstar report.
City Mining Regulatory Board (CMRB) is responsible for the deliberation for the possible granting of the minahang bayan certification. CMRB is the implementing arm of the DENR with MGB.
“We would like to repeat first, the applicant should have consent and from the private land owner, an endorsement coming from the local government unit or the Barangay posing no objection for the application of a minahang bayan through the City Council. The said Information have been disseminated to the applicants and hopefully one of this City Mining Regulatory Board meeting who oversees small scale mining activities in the City,” Genetiano said.
Around 1,500 individuals are involved in small-scale mining activities in Baguio City, according to 2016 MGB inventory data.
Recently, Baguio City Representative Marquez Go filed a bill to make the city a mining-free zone to address the geohazards and environmental dangers in the area.
Once passed into law, violators will be penalized with a fine between P500,000 to P5 million and imprisonment between one to six years.
“During the land summit called for by Congressman Go, we welcomed the suggestion of Congressman Go, Mayor Magalong and the LGU at that time that a technical working group will be formed to study these proposals and whatever development with us on small scale mining via-a-viz the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the answer will still come from the stakeholders which are the residents of Baguio City and we are just facilitators,” Genetiano added.
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