The Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) of Romblon Province emerged as the Top Performing Mining Regulatory Board in the MIMAROPA Region for CY 2020 during the awarding rites at the 2021 Regional Summit for Provincial and City Mining Regulatory Boards (P/CMRBs) in MIMAROPA, November 23, via the Zoom platform.
This award is being conferred to the P/CMRB with exemplary contribution and accomplishments, the rating and evaluation of which is based on a merit/demerit point system of the performance criteria.
The approval of applications for mining permits not exceeding five hectares, and enforcement of small-scale mining laws are among the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) functions devolved to the local government units (LGUs), with P/CMRBs as the LGU’s regulatory arm. These functions are provided under Republic Act No. 7942 or the “Philippine Mining Act of 1995” and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) under Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2010-21, and Republic Act No. 7076 or “The People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991” and its IRR under DAO No. 2015-03.
Aside from the awarding of the top performing P/CMRB, the virtual gathering also provided a venue for the regular members to tackle mining-related issues and concerns, and present the highlights of their annual programs and activities within their respective areas of jurisdiction.
In his message, MGB MIMAROPA Regional Director Glenn Marcelo Noble recognized the P/CMRBs efforts in ensuring the strict enforcement of mining laws, rules, and regulations, and how they are working hard and doing beyond what is expected of them.
“More than anything, it has always been about balancing the need for economic growth and environmental sustainability. That we recognize that this industry is also about – first and foremost – the welfare of the people and those who will succeed us… That what we do should reflect on how the public, our stakeholders, perceive us as regulators, as implementers, and as dependable and trusted partners in protecting their lives and the world that they live in,” Regional Director Noble reiterated.
The virtual forum is part of the celebration of the 2021 Mining Month and the Bureau’s continuing capacity building for local government units and other stakeholders.
