MGB submits position paper on banning open-pit mining

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 12I has eiterated its position requesting the review of the Provincial Ordinance No.04, Series of 2010, otherwise known as the Provincial Environment Code of South Cotabato.
The position paper was submitted requesting for consideration of the newly elected Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Governor Cecile E. Diel.
The committee will now be handled by the chairman of Environment and Natural Resources Ellen Grace Albios-Subere of the provincial board.
The paper was submitted on December 12, 2013 with the prayer that the present leadership of the province of South Cotabato will consider the provision of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995(RA 7942) allowing open-pit mining as a mining  method in the extraction of minerals.
Furthermore, Executive Order No.79 issued on July 6, 2012(Institutionalizing and Implementing Reforms in the Philippine Mining Sector providing Policies and Guidelines to Ensure Environmental Protection and Responsible Mining in the Utilization of Mineral Resources) in Section 12,  stated that there should be the consistency of local ordinances with the Constitution and National Laws/LGU Cooperation.
The LGUs shall only confine themselves to the imposition of reasonable limitations on mining activities conducted within their respective territorial jurisdictions that are consistent with national laws and regulations.
The development of our mineral resources will spur economic activity that will provide livelihood opportunities, generate needed revenue to the government not to mention its multiplier effect to the economy in general. Mining will reduce poverty incidence especially in the countryside considering that most of our mineral deposits are found in mountainous rural areas which are but poor in agriculture. 
On the environmental concerned, mining companies are required to conduct environmental studies on the impact of the mining project in the given environment, and having an Environmental Compliance Certificate issued in their favor before any start of mining construction, development and utilization.
Any adverse impact of mining to the environment has to be addressed, prevented or minimized. Progressive and final mining rehabilitation are required during and after mining. Mining companies shall set aside funds to finance environmental cost. Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee (MRFC) and Multi-Partite Monitoring Team (MMT) shall be organized to manage, monitor and ensure compliance of mining companies to environmental protection and enhancement. 
The province of South Cotabato is rich mineral resource which is a blessing, an opportunity and a challenge to all of us.