MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Mining Development Corporation (PMDC), the government’s mining arm, has expressed its support for and adoption of “Big Brother–Small Brother” initiative, a partnership framework that encourages cooperation between large-scale mining operators and small-scale miners.

PMDC President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Job Adrian M. Ambrosio said the Corporation is adopting the approach in recognition of the support of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) for collaborative programs that promote the formalization of small-scale mining, responsible mineral development, improved mine safety, environmental compliance, and inclusive economic growth.

Under the model, established and technically capable mining operators may assist small-scale miners in transitioning toward legal, properly regulated, and environmentally responsible operations. Assistance may include technical guidance, mine planning, safety systems, environmental management, mineral processing, regulatory compliance, and access to legitimate markets.

The proposal seeks to demonstrate that responsible mining can create lasting economic opportunities while significantly improving worker safety, environmental stewardship, and community welfare in mining host communities.

For decades, a significant portion of the country’s small-scale mining sector has operated outside the formal regulatory system. Illegal and unregulated mining activities often expose workers to hazardous underground conditions where accidents and fatalities remain a serious concern.

The unregulated use of mercury and cyanide may also contribute to the contamination of rivers and waterways, while the absence of proper engineering, mine planning, waste management, and erosion-control measures increases the risks of landslides, pollution, and environmental degradation.

Illegal mining operations have likewise been associated with child labor, inadequate social protection, and economic inequities, where a limited number of individuals receive substantial profits while many miners continue to work under dangerous conditions and earn only modest incomes.

Recognizing these longstanding challenges, Ambrosio said enforcement must be accompanied by practical and viable legal alternatives that encourage small-scale miners to enter the formal economy and become part of a safer, more productive, and properly regulated mining industry.

“The MGB has recognized that cooperation between large-scale mining companies and small-scale miners can provide a practical pathway toward formalization. PMDC supports this direction and intends to adopt the Big Brother–Small Brother approach in appropriate PMDC mining areas,” Ambrosio said.

Ambrosio noted that the partnership approach draws from programs such as the Big Brother–Small Brother initiative implemented by Itogon-Suyoc Resources, Inc. (ISRI), a subsidiary of Apex Mining Co., Inc., which demonstrates how established mining operators can help small-scale miners improve safety, compliance, environmental management, livelihood generation, and operational sustainability.

PMDC will work closely with the MGB, local government units, indigenous cultural communities, small-scale mining associations, partner operators, and other concerned government agencies to determine how the model may be responsibly implemented in suitable PMDC projects and mineral areas.

Ambrosio said the future of Philippine mining should be inclusive—one where mineral development benefits small-scale miners and their families, host communities, local governments, and the national economy.

“Responsible mining must create opportunity, not exclusion. By working with the MGB and our mining communities, we can help transform informal mining into a safer, legal, environmentally responsible, and sustainable industry that provides long-term livelihoods for Filipino miners,” Ambrosio said.

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The leadership of the Balatoc Kalinga Tribe Inc. (BKTI) has strongly denounced recent statements circulating in the media opposing the development of the Batong Buhay mining project, describing them as false, misleading, and unrepresentative of the legitimate position of the Balatoc Tribe.

Speaking on behalf of the Balatoc tribe, Victor Gumisa emphasized that the statements being attributed to the Balatoc community do not represent the views of the recognized Indigenous People’s organization (IPO), the Council of Elders, nor the overwhelming majority of the Balatoc, Pasil people in Kalinga.

“The public deserves to know the truth. These statements are not supported by the recognized leadership of the Balatoc Tribe. They are false, misleading, and intended to create confusion regarding the legitimate aspirations of our people,” Gumisa said.

BKTI Holds the Lawful Mandate

Gumisa explained that the Balatoc Tribe has already exercised its priority rights over its ancestral domain, as recognized by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in 2008.

As the duly recognized representative of the Balatoc Tribe, BKTI was subsequently granted the Certificate of Precondition (CP) covering the exploration area, giving it the authority and responsibility to determine the development of the mineral resources within Exploration Permit Application (EXPA) No. 79.

“The authority to decide the future development of our ancestral domain rests with BKTI and the recognized leadership of the Balatoc Tribe—not with individuals pursuing their own personal interests,” Gumisa stressed.

Strong Community Support for Responsible Mining

According to Gumisa, the President and Board of Directors of BKTI, together with the majority of tribal elders, have expressed their full support for the responsible development of the Batong Buhay Mine.

BKTI has formally nominated Metals Exploration as its preferred mining partner to develop the project under a partnership model designed to ensure that Indigenous Peoples become genuine stakeholders in the project.

Under the proposed Joint Venture arrangement, the Balatoc tribe will receive a 20-percent equity stake in the operating company and representation on its Board of Directors.

“This is a pioneering model in the Philippine mining industry. For the first time, an Indigenous community will become a true equity partner in a major mining operation rather than simply receiving royalties. We believe this can become the benchmark for future responsible mining developments on ancestral lands.”

Development Benefits for the Entire Community

FEMC (Faratuk Exploration & Mining Company) has already presented a draft Memorandum of Agreement to the community outlining substantial development commitments, including:

-Construction of the long-awaited ₱100-million access road to Balatoc;

-Improved healthcare facilities and medical services;

-Scholarship programs for local students;

-Employment and livelihood opportunities;

-Infrastructure development;

-Community development and other long-term social benefits.

“For decades our people have waited for meaningful development. This partnership offers an opportunity to improve the lives of future generations while ensuring that our ancestral domain remains under Indigenous ownership and participation,” Gumisa said.

Gumisa did not sign any MOA or JOA yet until the Balatoc tribe, and PMDC will reach acceptable agreement.  What the people and government will decide, that is what I support. I did not sign any agreement without consulting my community and presenting documents to Balatoc lawyers and professionals, they need to be involved. The June 25 meeting at Balatoc was initial presentation of MOA.

Questions Raised Over Illegal Mining Operations

Gumisa also expressed concern that opposition to the project appears to be driven by vested interests seeking to preserve existing illegal mining activities in the area.

“If these efforts succeed in preventing the responsible development of Batong Buhay, it will not be the ordinary people of Balatoc who benefit. Instead, poverty will continue while only a few individuals involved in illegal operations profit from our natural resources.”

Improper small scale mining caused the death of some of our tribes’ members.  Responsible small scale mining will continue with technical assistance of FEMC. We will prioritize CADT certificate of ancestral domain titling processing and ADSDPP ancestral domain sustainable development plan of our Tribe.

A Project of National Importance

Gumisa emphasized that the proposed Batong Buhay project represents far more than a local mining venture. It is expected to contribute to the country’s critical minerals development strategy while delivering lasting benefits to Indigenous communities.

“The choice before us is clear. We can continue with unregulated and illegal activities that benefit only a few, or we can pursue a transparent, legally compliant, community-led mining project that creates jobs, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and lasting prosperity for our people.”

QUEZON, Nueva Vizcaya—FCF Minerals Corporation could after all continue its operation after its expected closure in 2027 with the identification of an exploration target near its Runruno Mine here.

According to the London-based Metals Exploration (MTL), a mineral resources exploration and development company that owns 100 percent of the FCF Minerals-operated Runruno Gold Project, the exploration target is located in the municipality of Dupax del Norte in this province.

“The exploration target could potentially extend ore processing operations at Runruno after ore feed from the Runruno Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) tenement is exhausted,” MTL said.

It added that the potential ore feed from Dupax del Norte could utilize the existing Runruno process plant infrastructure and be re-purposed to accommodate a different type of ore feed and that any ore from Dupax would likely be processed into a saleable mixed metal concentrate.  

Darren Bowden, MTL chief executive officer, said the Dupax del Norte prospect “provides an exciting opportunity to explore a potential extension of ore processing at Runruno.”

“It is a VMS target with rock samples indicating very high grades of up to 15.47 grams per ton gold and 7 percent copper, with minimal drilling expected to bring it into a resource-ready basis for operation,” Bowden said.

A VMS target in mining is a volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit which is a valuable source of metals like copper, zinc, lead, silver and gold. 

Bowden also explained that following a recent review of the prospect, which included taking fresh rock samples, they are optimistic about the potential that it presents.

He said there is an old mined area on the tenement that allows them to assess the scale of the previous operation and to advance their understanding of the target’s potential.

“We are currently finalizing environmental and forestry approvals and aim to commence exploration as soon as possible. It is too early to say how long it could extend ore processing operations at the Runruno process plant, but I am confident that it has the potential to provide an extension, even if it is only for a few years,” Bowden said.

According to MTL, the Dupax del Norte tenement has been applied for by Woggle Corporation, which is 40 percent owned by the company and its subsidiaries, with 60 percent being owned by the staff pension plan of its   FCF Minerals Corp. subsidiary. 

In addition to FCF Minerals Corp. or the Runruno Mine, MTL completed in August 2024 the acquisition of the Yamang Mineral Corp. or YMC which holds an extensive exploration tenement in the prospective Abra area covering 16,200 hectares.

Under Philippine mining law, exploration tenements can only be a maximum of 40 percent foreign-owned. However, the processing of ore from any mining operation can be 100 percent foreign-owned. 

MTL said the company will optimize the ownership structure relating to the Dupax del Norte project should the exploration program be successful and if the tenement is converted to a mining lease. 

The company said it had previously relinquished an interest in the Dupax del Norte tenement, which it re-applied for in 2023. 

The project area is covered by an Exploration Permit Application ExPA 000168 RII whose tenement covers an area of 3,101.11 hectares.

It is approximately 20 kilometers directly southwest of the company’s existing Runruno Mine site and five kilometers from Dupax del Norte Municipal Hall.

OCEANGOLD Philippines (OPG) recently turned over three more farm-to-market (FMR) projects worth P9 million to villagers in Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino provinces in simple ceremonies.

“For hundreds of villagers in these two provinces, a simple road means more than just a path. It is a bridge to opportunity, security and progress,” said Joan Adaci-Cattiling, OGP president and general manager for external affairs and social performance.

With these newly completed FMR projects, Adaci-Cattiling said around 500 residents are now able to travel more safely and conveniently to schools, farms and nearby towns.

These new FMRs included those constructed at Barangay Villa Aurora, Diadi in Nueva Vizcaya, a 223.5-meter road reinforced with three cross drainages and a sturdy retaining wall; Barangay Ricarte Sur, Diffun in Quirino, a 246-meter road with a cross drainage unit, a retaining wall, and a drainage canal for better water flow; and Barangay Pinaripad Norte, Aglipay, also in Quirino, a 247.5-meter road strengthened with a pipe culvert and slope protection.

Adaci-Cattiling noted that for many years, villagers traveled through rough and muddy trails, making it difficult for farmers to bring their produce to the market and for children to go to school.

“Now, with these newly built roads, funded through OGP’s Community Development Fund (CDF) everyday life becomes a little easier, and possibilities grow a little bigger,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Diffun and Aglipay roads in Quirino province were officially turned over in January, while the Diadi project in Nueva Vizcaya was completed in December 2024.

As these roads open new doors for the communities, they stand as a testament, Adaci-Catting added.

BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO

KASIBU, Nueva Vizcaya: The Didipio Mine here is helping coffee farmers boost the industry by extending financial assistance and capacitating particularly the farmer-members of a coffee growers cooperative here.

Didipio Mine president and general manager for external affairs and social performance Joan Adaci-Cattiling said the mine partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry to provide training to coffee growers.

She said the recent capacity-building activity for members of the Kasibu Coffee Growers Association, Inc. (KCGAI) was mainly on coffee post-harvest operations.

Under the 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 project, Cattiling added that Didipio Mine and KCGAI have realier forged an agreement for a P2.5 million pesos financial assistance.

“This project is under the Didipio Mine’s corporate social responsibility or CSR program aimed at contributing to the association’s community, financial and organizational sustainability,” she said.

Cattiling said the project intends to assist coffee farmers in monitoring and managing their crops as well as provide them with technical assistance.

“It will also cover the establishment and maintenance of a nursery, building the capacity of the association’s farmer-members, and regular monitoring of the coffee farms,” she said.

According to Cattiling, the acquisition of needed machinery, tools, and equipment; the augmentation of fertilizer needs of farmers; and the provision of coffee trees and other tropical trees are also covered by the agreement.

The DTI Region 2 led by Regional Director Ma. Sofia Narag and DTI Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Director Michael Paggabao, paid a courtesy visit to Cuaresma on November 24, 2024 on the sidelines of the North Luzon Growth Quadrangle Meeting in the House of Representatives, to discuss areas for collaboration.

Paggabao said the meeting served as a platform to reaffirm DTI’s commitment to collaborating closely with the congresswoman’s office in advancing initiatives that empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), enhance local industries and support the overall economic progress of Nueva Vizcaya.

“We are delighted to solidify our partnership with Congresswoman Cuaresma in achieving shared goals for the province. Her support will truly help us achieve our unified vision to bring impactful programs and services to the people of Nueva Vizcaya,” Paggabao said.

Narag and Paggabao were accompanied by the other leaders of DTI Region 2 namely Provincial Director (PD) Mary Ann Dy, acting PD Lourdito Antonio, acting PD Cyrus Restauro, Division chief Tessie Isidra Guitering, and chief of staff Elena Marie Ferrer. DTI NUEVA VIZCAYA

BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO

BAGUIO CITY—FCF Minerals Corporation has won its third consecutive Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) during the 70th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) held at the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center here from November 19 to 22, 2024.

The award, according to Lorne Harvey, FCF Minerals general manager for operations, is an “unprecedented achievement of the company for all its efforts in responsible mining.” 

“FCF Minerals not only maintained its PMIEA excellence but also captured two additional safety distinctions, marking a remarkable industry milestone,” Harvey added.

The company also received the Safest Surface Mining Operation Award as the winner and the Safest Mining Operation Award, also as winner.

He said the triple PMIEA achievement underscores FCF Minerals’ unwavering commitment to responsible mining practices and industry leadership in sustainable operations.

Engineer Diosdado Dimalanta, Infrastructure and Security Manager, and lawyer Rowena Marcos, Legal and Compliance Manager, who represented Harvey at the November 22 awards ceremony, accepted the PMIEA award.

The Safety Awards were received by the company’s safety team Engineer Maria-Rica-Xtra Arguel, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) manager; Engineer Alex Lagbas, OSH superintendent; and Engineer Tiana May Bonoy, Safety Engineer.

Awarded annually, the PMIEA recognizes mining companies that demonstrate exceptional performance in environmental protection and management, workplace safety and health practices and social development and community engagement.

Dimalanta noted that the awards received by the company are a “solid testament to compliance beyond international standards truly becoming a beacon in the mining industry.”

Meanwhile, the FCF Emergency Response Team (ERT) also clinched second place in the First Aid Competition at the Melvin Jones Grandstand on November 22.

Harvey said their dedicated ERT also demonstrated their exceptional skills across multiple challenges including Fire Brigade Competition, Fire Extinguishment Event and Tug of Peace Challenge.

“This remarkable achievement highlights our team’s dedication to emergency preparedness and commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards at FCF Minerals Corporation,” he said.

Joining the FCF Minerals delegation during the Minerals Industry Parade, led by Dimalanta representing Harvey on November 22 from SM Baguio to the Melvin Jones Grandstand, were the barangay officials of Runruno in Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya, headed by barangay captain John Babli-ing. Runruno is the company’s host community.

The company also participated in the two-day booth exhibit during the 70th ANMSEC  from November 20 to 21 which was visited by different mining companies, contractors, students and other interested individuals who wanted to know more about responsible mining.

Harvey said this enables the company to share and discuss its operations and best practices, particularly in its Safety and Health, Environment and Social programs.

There were 1,300 individuals recorded visitors who dropped by the booth participating in the dart board game that enabled them to win prizes after following the company’s official Facebook page and inviting their Facebook friends to follow the page.

The 70th ANMSEC was spearheaded by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA),  the country’s leading advocate for occupational safety, health, environmental management, and social responsibility in the minerals industry, in coordination with various key stakeholders.

These stakeholders include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB), the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines, the Philippine Society of Mining Engineers, as well as mining companies, quarries, mineral processing plants, suppliers, service contractors and various professional organizations.

This year’s event marked a significant milestone in the history of ANMSEC, highlighting seven decades of dedication to improving safety standards and environmental practices in the mining industry.

Anchored on the theme “Endurance and Innovation for Sustainability,” the MGB Region 2 Director Mario Ancheta said the conference “reflects the unique challenges faced by the mining industry in the country and the need to navigate these challenges by embracing innovative and sustainable practices and solutions towards achieving responsible and sustainable mineral resources development.”

MANILA (September 6, 2024)—The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines will open a new Visa Application Center (VAC), launch an updated visa appointment system, and expand call center services to U.S. citizens in the Philippines starting on September 28.

The new VAC will be located at Parqal Building 8, Level 3, Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City.  Immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants seeking interview appointments starting September 28 will be required to schedule a separate appointment at the VAC for photo capture and fingerprint scanning prior to their interview at the U.S. Embassy on Roxas Boulevard.  Scheduling will be done through the new and redesigned online appointment system.

Applicants who have scheduled a visa interview before September 28 will not be affected by this change and should proceed directly to their appointment at the Embassy.

The new online appointment system will feature a secure and user-friendly interface for visa applicants and will be available on September 28 on ustraveldocs.com/ph.  Applicants who have existing accounts in the current visa appointment system will be required to sign in to the new system using their already-registered email address to retrieve their user profile, which includes payment receipts and appointment information.

The VAC will offer appointment slots from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays.  No appointment is needed for applicants who would like to pick up their passports or drop off interview waiver visa applications and other required documents from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. 

Additionally, the U.S. Embassy will launch a call center for customers with general, non-emergency American Citizen Services (ACS) inquiries.  U.S. citizens can call consular hotlines at (+632) 7792-8988 or (+632) 8548-8223, or (703) 520-2235 for callers in the United States, with passport, citizenship, and notarial service questions.  The U.S. Embassy will also launch a new and dedicated website (ustraveldocs.com/ph/en/american-citizens-services) and email (support-acs-philippines@usvisascheduling.com) for these ACS services on September 28.  Inquiries not related to passport, citizenship, or notarials should still be sent to the embassy’s ACS unit directly viaACSInfoManila@state.gov.

Updates regarding these changes will be posted on the U.S. Embassy website (ph.usembassy.gov) and on the Embassy’s Facebook  (facebook.com/USEmbassyPH/) and X account (@USEmbassyPH). (US EMBASSY)

TUGUEGARAO CITY (September 2, 2024)—A hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) was rescued after it was accidentally trapped in a fish net in Diora Zinungan, Sta. Ana, Cagayan on Saturday, environment workers said on Thursday.

Fisherman John Kenneth Recolizado found the turtle entangled in his net, prompting him to immediately report the matter to the Santa Ana Fishery Station of the Provincial Agriculture Office.

Environmental workers Derick Adap and Jomar Cabingabang of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office-Aparri met with Santa Ana local representatives, and they decided to bring the sea turtle back to its natural habitat after a checkup.

The hawksbill sea turtle, a critically endangered sea turtle belonging to the family Cheloniidae and the only extant species in the genus Eretmochelys, measures 51-cm in length and 48-cm in width.

Environmentalists put the tag PH2179BA so that it can be known immediately in case it is caught or netted in the sea again.

BY VINCE JACOB VISAYA

TUGUEGARAO CITY (August 31, 2024)—A total of 1,678 cases of dengue were recorded from January 1 to August 26 this year in Cagayan province, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported on Thursday.

The PHO records show that most of these cases were from Lasam town with 225, Tuguegarao City with 184, followed by Aparri with 147 cases, Abulug with 135, and Gattaran with 117.

The PHO has intensified close monitoring and on-site inspection in various towns in Cagayan to ensure the breeding grounds of mosquitos that carry dengue virus are cleaned to prevent the spread of the disease.

In the face of increasing cases of dengue, the PHO has once again called on the public to follow the 5S strategy to prevent the further spread of the disease.

The 5S are search and destroy, self-protection, seek early consultation, support fogging and spraying, and sustain hydration.

The PHO warned that the number of dengue cases in the province could increase and called on the public to be vigilant and follow the recommendations of the health authorities to ensure everyone’s safety.