RMDC forum Thursday, to tackle mining issues
Boholanos see upcoming Regional Minerals Development Council (RMDC) Forum set September 25 at the Jjs Seafoods Restaurant as an honest government move to shovel out the monopoly issues hounding Bohol mining claims.
Last week, the country’s environment chief said the issue should be resolved decisively and expeditiously as he added he would not tolerate a monopoly on local mining claims.
Environment Secretary Jose Atienza was appraised of the monopoly by a Cebuano businessman who solely keeps most of the mining claims here.
Reacting to reports, secretary Atienza bared that the DENR is stepping in to settle the disputes as soon as formal complaints are filed.
The move also comes at a time when the local legislative body is finalizing the Bohol Mining Ordinance, which, when passed would be a binding development plan and blue print for minerals use here.
Members of the Sangguninag Panlalawigan are also expected top gather inputs from the forum to hone the local ordinance.
No less than Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional executive Director Leonardo Sibaluca heads the regional environment office bigwigs and mining specialists as resource persons during the forum to be attended also by Bohol local chief executives.
Topics to be discussed include the country’s mining regulatory framework, Bohol mineral endowments, mining situationer, roles of local chief executives in implementing mining laws and mines and geo-sciences bureau deputization and apprehension procedures. (rachiu/PIA)
