The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB7) joined the Mining Appreciation Day conducted by the Solid Earth Development Corporation (SEDC), a limestone quarry project, in San Fernando town, southern Cebu last February 7, 2020.

The event aimed to clear negative connotations associated with the mining industry by the society and geared towards maintaining the balance in benefiting not only the stakeholders of the company but also the community.

One of the activities was an Information Education Campaign (IEC) to spread public awareness and share useful and factual information about the SEDC activities and its impact on the community.

About 60 Grades 11 & 12 STEM students participated in the event who came from schools surrounding SEDC such as Notre Dame Academy – San Fernando, Sangat National High School, and Pitalo National High School.

The students learned about the basics of Minerals, Arts of Mining Method, and Concept of Responsible Mining from SEDC’s technical personnel composed of Engr. Daniel Jireh M. Corpuz, Engr. Samuel O. Tagsip and Mr. Gines T. Boltron.

Chief Science Research Specialist Engr. Armando L. Malicse of MGB7 Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division discussed the role and use of mining in people’s everyday life. He explained the matter to shed some understanding and foster insights among the students about mining’s contribution to the life of mankind and how humans have become dependent on its products.

Malicse emphasized that despite criticisms, everyone from all walks of life rely on the products and services of the mining industry because of the convenience and hassle-free experience they bring.

An open forum then followed the discussion where the students raised their questions about the resources and mine life of SEDC as well as the influence of the IEC to others.

The event ended with an Inter-School Competition to test the students’ enhanced knowledge in mining. /IO