LMP supports revitalization program on responsible mining

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
October 23, 2007

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  The National Government has the support of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), in its effort to revitalize responsible mining through socially responsible mining.

During the October 16 meeting at the Manila Hotel, the members of the National Directorate of LMP expressed their bold support to the Revitalization Program for Responsible Mining as embodied in Executive Order 270 and the Mining Association of the Philippines to help alleviate poverty in the countryside, address the environmental, social and health concerns of affected communities and bring about socially responsible mining on the ground.

Upon the motion of Mayor Roque A. Tiu of the municipality of Tanauan, province of Leyte and duly seconded en masse, the LMP National Directorate passed the resolution of support, copies of which, will be forwarded to all members of the LMP, ULAP, members of the House of Representatives, the Senate and the Office of the President for their information and appropriate actions.

Executive Order No. 270, as amended states that it shall be the policy of the Government to promote responsible mineral resources exploration, development and utilization, in order to enhance economic growth, in a manner that adheres to the principles of sustainable development and with due regard for justice and equity, sensitivity to the culture of the Filipino people and respect for the Philippine sovereignty.

The League of Municipalities of the Philippines feel that there is a need to establish a more active partnership among the LMP, the Minerals Development Council, the DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines to promote socially responsible mining development in concerned Philippine municipalities and to address the various issues and concerns relative to the Revitalization Program for Responsible Mining as agreed during the LMP 2nd National Directorate Meeting at the Manila Hotel on October 16-17, 2007.

The LMP through its 1,510 member-municipalities, has always been in the forefront of providing services and implementing local government initiatives with the assistance of relevant stakeholders in support of governance reforms and socio-economic development to its constituencies.

The Minerals Development Council has the primary responsibility of advancing the government’s policy of responsible and sustainable development of the State’s mineral resources.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, is directly in charge of the administration and disposition of the country’s mineral lands and mineral resources.