MGB-V bares its 2008 accomplishment

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Bicol (MGB-V) bared today its major accomplishments for calendar year 2008, among several others:

1. Organized six ( 6 ) Capacity – Building Seminars in Geologic Hazards Awareness and Disaster Preparedness in the Municipalities of Calabanga, Magarao and Bombon in Camarines Sur and in Magallanes, Juban and Barcelona in Sorsogon. Local officials and residents were taught how to read and interpret Geohazard Maps, given information on how to prepare and what to do during the occurrence of Geologic Hazards like flood and landslide. Simultaneous with the seminars, Information materials, like geohazard posters, flyers, geohazard maps in printed form and in digital CDs were given to concerned local chief executives and residents/participants.

2. Conducted Geohazard Identification Surveys of at least 20 relocation/resettlement sites in Camarines Sur, Albay and Sorsogon for the victims of typhoon Reming.

3. Surveyed and  assessed the different Geologic Hazards in at least 18 Municipalities of which 17 are in Masbate and 1 in Albay.

 4. Conducted Regionwide Rapid Ocular investigations in flood and landslide affected areas in Bicol in the aftermath of the February 14 to 21, 2008 heavy rains. MGB-V was designated by the Albay Governor to lead the Landslide Advance Monitoring Team.

 5. Investigated and resolved a total of 16 complaints, cases and conflicts involving illegal exploration and quarrying in Catanduanes; illegal quarrying at San Nicolas and Sta. Teresita in Iriga City; alleged treasure hunting in Buang, Tabaco, Albay; illegal road construction in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte; illegal sand and gravel quarrying in Masbate; alleged mining operation at Pinagbirayan, Malaki in Paracale, Camarines Norte; illegal quarrying of Magnetite Sand in Bulan and in Sta. Magdalena, Sorsogon; and Ara-al quarrying activities in Balaba, Polangui, Albay, among others.

 6. Monitored 18 mining right/permit holders (Lafayette Phils. Inc., Goodfound Cement Corporation, United Paragon Mining Corporation, Bulawan, El Dore, Indophil, and Oxiana) to validate compliance and the activities undertaken within the area of their operation.

 7. Monitored regularly compliance of Ibalong Resources and Development Corporation in Camalig, Albay; Rapu-Rapu Minerals Incorporated-Lafayette in Rapu-Rapu, Albay; UBS Marketing Corporation in Legazpi City and Filminera Resources Corporation in Masbate commitments to Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) program and other regulations like submission of mine waste and mill tailings and mining forest program imposed by the DENR/MGB-5.

 8. Conducted Environmental Monitoring of abandoned mines of Benguet Corporation in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte to determine adverse environmental impacts or risks it may cause to the surrounding environment and to formulate and implement sound mitigating measures.

 9. Strengthened the Multi-Partite Monitoring Teams (MMTs) for Ibalong Resources and Development Corporation (IRDC) in Palanog, Camalig, Albay; Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project in Rapu-Rapu, Albay and Filminera Resources Corp/Masbate Gold Project in Masbate to monitor these mining companies environmental and social commitments. LValdez press release 01-23-09