Enhancing Mining Stakeholder Collaboration: The 2025 Central Visayas MRFC–MMT Refresher Forum

On June 24, 2025, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau 7 (MGB7) hosted the 2025 Central Visayas MRFC–MMT Refresher Forum at Summit Galleria Cebu. The forum, themed “Building Stronger Environmental Monitoring Networks,” was organized by the Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development Division (MSESDD), led by Engr. Edgar C. Lagarnia. It brought together mining permit holders across Central Visayas, alongside members and representatives from the Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee (MRFC) and the Multipartite Monitoring Teams (MMTs).

The agenda highlighted key issues in mining operations, emphasizing the importance of improved environmental monitoring, increased awareness of regulatory policies, and a commitment to national compliance standards.

Key Highlights

Engr. Armando L. Malicse, Regional Director of MGB7, inaugurated the forum with a welcome address, underscoring the critical role of collaborative partnerships in advancing responsible and sustainable mining practices. He emphasized the importance of continuously updating the knowledge of mining stakeholders and monitoring teams, highlighting how forums like this provide an avenue for sharing and exchanging knowledge, tools, and emerging trends in environmental management.

Engr. Ramcie S. Brillante, Chief of the MSESDD MEMS Section, provided an informative overview of the operational structure and responsibilities of the Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee and the Multipartite Monitoring Teams.

Engr. Genesis D. Madera, Senior Science Research Specialist, delivered a detailed presentation on the SHES (Safety, Health, Environment, and Social Development) Manual, focusing on the integral requirements and compliance metrics associated with the document.

Ms. Annabie G. Galaura and Ms. Danica T. De Gracia from the Land Bank of the Philippines shared their expertise regarding the management of Trust Fund Accounts for effective financial management.

Engr. Anjaylove S. Geniston, Supervising Science Research Specialist, provided updates on pertinent MGB policy issuances and guidelines related to MEPEO (Mining Environmental Permit for Exploration Operations) registration protocols.

Engr. Janica Michelle M. Alcaraz, Senior Environmental Management Specialist, outlined the AEPEP (Annual Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program) standard framework and elaborated on its preparatory procedures.

The afternoon sessions maintained momentum with Engr. Fabiano Migraso, Jr., from EMB Region VII, elaborating on recent EMB policy updates and presenting the revised Region VII MMT Manual of Operations. Reginald Bueno, from CDD–DENR 7, discussed the Salient Features of DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2022-04, providing essential insights into updated environmental policies relevant to mining stakeholders. Ms. Ma. Jennen L. Llena, Technical Assistant of CDD–DENR 7, delivered insights on the Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring System (BAMS) and its application in mining contexts. Engr. Shenno Lester Cose from MGB7’s MLSS showcased geospatial data generation techniques using Geographic Information System (GIS) software, illustrating practical applications for environmental assessments.

In both the morning and afternoon sessions, open forums were conducted to allow participants to raise questions, share insights, and clarify key points with the resource speakers.

To conclude the forum, participants acknowledged the contributions of MRFC/MMT members, ratified the updated MMT Manual of Operations, and received closing remarks from CENRO Vicente Rustico Calizar on behalf of DENR-CV Regional Executive Director Engr. Paquito D. Melicor. The event culminated in a Socials Night, fostering professional networking and collaboration among attendees.

Engr. Malicse also expressed appreciation for the Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development Division (MSESDD) for organizing the event, recognizing it as a valuable initiative that strengthens cooperation and significantly supports the Bureau’s partners in enhancing compliance, transparency, and shared responsibility in the mining sector. (IO/MGB7)