DENR reaffirms commitment to environmental protection

AT the launch of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources ( DENR) Mines and Geosciences Bureau’s ( MGB) #MineResponsibility information and education campaign on November 8, DENR Undersecretary for Mining and Climate Change Concerns Atty. Analiza RebueltaTeh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to social and environmental protection when it comes to mining.

In her keynote speech during the launch, Teh acknowledged the various concerns on mining the public has had over the years — environmental damage sustained from mining operations that did not yet fall under the Mining Act of 1995, notions that disasters are worsened by mining and quarrying, government corruption, human rights violations, and displacement of indigenous peoples.

She noted that the DENR under the current administration has continually committed to improving the mining industry with strict reforms and policies.

“I believe that significant changes should happen in three aspects… perception, practice, and outcomes. For practice and outcomes, we can address that by strengthening our monitoring and enforcement, and implementing real responsible and sustainable mining by the mining companies,” Teh explained.

“Only by achieving this can we ultimately gain public confidence about [the] benefits of mining in the country,” she affirmed.

To change perceptions, Teh highlighted that DENR’s #MineResponsibility information campaign aimed at addressing misconceptions and false information about mining while promoting responsible mining within the industry.