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The central office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-C.O.)
recently downloaded to Bicol MGB and to other MGB regional
offices nationwide the authority to approve the Social
Development and Management Program (SDMP) and Environmental
Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP) for small-scale quarry
and industrial sand and gravel operations.
The authority to approve
follows paragraph a, b and c of Section 134 of Department
Administrative Order (DAO) numbered 2004-54, an amendment to DAO
96-40.
Environment and Natural
Resources Officers (ENROs), thru their respective Provincial
Governors, in Bicol were notified to implement this new order
since they are the one who issued the permit for small-scale
mining and the quarrying activities being conducted in their
area of jurisdiction. |
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EPEP plays a significant role in the integration of
environmental parameters at every phase in the life of the mine
and provides for incentive for environmental management
initiatives. SDMP is for community development.
It
will be recalled that these 2 programs are in support to the
thrust of the government of bringing environmental protection,
accountability and social equity to communities affected by
mining projects and currently being implemented by large-scale
mining projects in Bicol. (LDValdez)
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