Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace
October 16, 2024
“The Philippines, as one of the most mineral-rich countries in the world, has a unique opportunity to leverage its natural resources for national development… Today, we honor the companies that have demonstrated that mining in the country is more than just extracting resources; it is about giving back as well — giving back to the environment, giving back to the community, and giving to the future generations who will inherit this planet.,” conveyed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. when he led the 2023 Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) at Malacañan Palace.
Established in 1997 by virtue of Executive Order (EO) No. 399, the PMIEA recognizes mining groups and companies that have demonstrated exceptional performance and commitment to the management of safety and health, environment and social development in all aspects of operations.
“This ceremony is a celebration of your commitment and your responsibility. It is a tribute to those who see mining as a profound opportunity to uplift communities and ensure environmental sustainability for generations to come,” the President said in his speech, acknowledging the 13 PMIEA awardees for supporting the Administration’s vision for the mining sector, particularly their continued investment in environmental technologies and adoption of best practices that go beyond compliance.
Moving forward, he urged all dedicated agencies and the Congress to support the Rationalization of the Mining Fiscal Regime, saying that this is fundamental to creating a fair and equitable mining environment for all those in the sector.
He also cited other initiatives that reflect the commitment to responsible practices and dedication to sustainable resource management. These include the issuance of Administrative Order (AO) No. 2022-04, which mandates biodiversity management in mining operations, as well as the establishment of the National Environment and Natural Resources Geospatial Database and the signing of the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System or PENCAS Act in May 2024.
Apart from these, the government is also working to align the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) more closely with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The SDMP is a comprehensive five (5)-year plan aimed at improving the living standards of host and neighboring communities. The move to revise its guidelines and align these with SDGs aims to enhance its effectiveness in order to drive meaningful and positive change within the mining communities.
“To our awardees today, you have set a high bar, embodying what it means to create value that extends beyond profit and demonstrating to the public that it is not enough to just meet regulations; we must strive to go beyond them,” the Chief Executive said.
“With the continued partnership among the government, industry, and local communities, there is no doubt that the Bagong Pilipinas will emerge as a global leader in responsible mining,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his message.
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