Photo from host region, MGB ROV
MGB Completes 2 Quarter Management Conference
nd
In this issue
By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division
Editor's Note 2
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) conducted its second-quarter
Management Conference (ManCon) on June 20-22, 2022, in Legazpi City,
Albay with MGB Regional Office (RO) No. V hosting the conference. DAO No. 2022-04 3
It was attended by MGB Director Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano, MGB Regional
Directors, and Central Office Division Chiefs and/or their representatives. Feature Article 4
Officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
and DENR Region V also graced the event.
DENR Anniversary 5
MGB Regional Director Guillermo A. Molina, Jr. IV gave a speech,
welcoming the guests and wishing success to the conference. Likewise,
Director Moncano and DENR Assistant Secretary Nonita S. Caguioa MGB In Action 6-7
delivered their opening messages. DENR Secretary Jim O. Sampulna also
extended his message virtually.
New Employees 8
The three-day conference comprised of the presentation and discussion of
various concerns such as updates on the phases of priority projects in the
coming year; policy amendments and developments on mining; updates on NUIEC Program 11
the National Unified, Information, and Education Campaign
Program; resources, processing, and opportunities for nickel; updates on the
filling-up of positions; and other matters. On day two, all participants had a GAD Workshop 12
site visit to Rapu-Rapu Minerals, Incorporated in Rapu-Rapu Island, Albay.
The management conference ended with Engr. Juancho S. Pablo, MGB OIC MICECO Loan Products 12
Assistant Director and concurrent Chief of the Metallurgical Technology
Division delivered his closing remarks and bid everyone for safe travel back
home.
To our readers and fellow employees of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau,
Editor’s Note
It’s an exciting task as an Editor-In-Chief of MINE MATTERS, the Official Quarterly
Newsletter of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Central Office (CO), just
as we had an exciting comeback issue after quite a while. On behalf of the Editorial
Board, the Mineral Information and Publication Section of the Mineral Economics,
Information and Publication Division, I wish to thank our very supportive Director,
Atty. Wilfredo G. Moncano and Assistant Director, Engr. Juancho Pablo S. Calvez for gracing our maiden issue with their warm mes-
sages. Sincere appreciation is likewise fitting to all article contributors from different divisions.
As mentioned in the first quarter issue, MINE MATTERS is the official newsletter of MGB-CO, highlighting events, accomplishments,
activities and updates while keeping employees abreast of MGB and DENR’s recent policy issuances and inside news. As the mouth-
piece of MGB-CO, every issue is a collaborative and collective effort of all Divisions and employees. Likewise, each issue, contains the
latest news such as the list of new employees of MGB, awards and recognitions, as well as matters relative to employees’ welfare
through the MGBEA and MICECO. Past activities are showcased and upcoming activities for the next quarter are announced.
With the aspiration of keeping all employees updated and well-versed of our mandates, the recent policy issuances, not only of MGB
but also of DENR in general, are presented and given light.
I now take this opportunity to invite everyone to enjoy this issue and the future issues as well. May everyone continue to support by
sending articles and contributions to the Editorial Team.
You may send your questions, feedbacks or ideas that you would like
to contribute to [email protected]. Edgar C. Madera
Editor-In-Chief
MGB Officials Directory MINE MATTERS
ATTY. WILFREDO G. MONCANO Official Quarterly Newsletter of the
Director Mines and Geosciences Bureau Central Office
June 2022 | Issue No. 02
ENGR. JUANCHO PABLO S. CALVEZ
Assistant Director in concurrent capacity
EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF
ENGR. ROMUALDO D. AGUILOS
Head Executive Assistant EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Edgar C. Madera
ATTY. DANILO U. UYKIENG ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Diory G. Carr
Chief, Legal Service Division
WRITERS: Jamie Ruth T. Javier
ENGR. DANILO D. DELEÑA Maureen Louise C. Cruz
Chief, Mining Tenements Management Division Pauline Mae I. Alpay
ENGR. MARCIAL H. MATEO LAY-OUT/GRAPHIC ARTISTS:
Chief, Mine Safety, Environment and Social Dev’t. Division Nazario P. Abrasaldo
ENGR. THEODORE ROMMEL E. PESTAÑO Venus Amor R. Sarmiento
OIC-Chief, Mining Technology Division Mark Carlo H. Cruz
CIRCULATION: Edgardo D. Tolentino
MS. LIZA SOCORRO J. MANZANO Josemarie T. Cloma
Chief, Lands Geological Survey Division
CONTRIBUTORS:
DR. ROGEL A. SANTOS
OIC-Chief, Marine Geological Survey Division Juancho Pablo S. Calvez
Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng
ENGR. JUANCHO PABLO S. CALVEZ Liz Cherry D. Solijon
Chief, Metallurgical Technology Division Liza Socorro J. Manzano
Teodorico A. Sandoval
MS. LIZ CHERRY D. SOLIJON Danilo D. Deleña
OIC-Chief, Mineral Eco., Info. and Publication Division Marcial H. Mateo
ENGR. TEODORICO A. SANDOVAL Theodore Rommel E. Pestaño
Chief, Planning, Policy and International Affairs Division Rogel G. Santos
Gloria D. Mendoza
MS. GLORIA D. MENDOZA Edna R. Lorilla
OIC-Chief, Financial Management Division Maybellyn A. Zepeda
Marjorie C. Martinez
MS. EDNA R. LORILLA
Chief, Administrative Division Teodorico L. Marquez
DENR Celebrates its 35th Anniversary
Remembering DENR’s creation by virtue of Executive Order No. 292 dated 10 June 1987, the
th
DENR Family celebrated its 35 Anniversary last 10 June 2022 with the theme “Pistang Pamilyang
DENR para sa Tuloy-Tuloy na Pagkakaisa at Tagumpay.
This year’s theme highlighted the unity and hard work of all DENR Officials and Employees in a
fitting celebration for the 35 years of remarkable experiences, accomplishments and the positive
impact the Department brought to the nation. Employees who served in the DENR for 35 years and
more were given recognition as loyalty awardees.
True to its festive theme, all Bureaus participated in various activities. MGB employees also
participated and aced in almost all of the sports events they took part in – proof that technical
employees and mining champions can be sports enthusiasts too.
Atty. Adobo Steps Up as Mining Undersecretary
Through the issuance of Special Order No. 2022-321 dated May 4, 2022,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary for
Legal, Administration, Human Resources and Legislative Affairs, Atty. Ernesto D.
Adobo Jr. CESO I, shall assume the additional assignment as Supervising
Undersecretary for Mining Affairs.
This appointment comes after former Undersecretary for Mining and Muslim
Affairs Jim O. Sampulna has stepped up as DENR Secretary for the remainder of
his term. Atty. Adobo shall perform the duties and responsibilities pertinent to the additional
assignment, in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations of the government.
COA Appoints New DENR Supervising Auditor
The National Government Audit Sector of the Commission of Audit (COA) appointed
Ms. Violy Q. Molina as the newly designated OIC-Supervising Auditor of the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 1 and 2, Audit Group C
and D, Cluster 8 – Agriculture and Environment, National Government Audit Sector.
Ms. Molina has replaced Ms. Marites A. Odtojan as she steps down as Supervising
Auditor for DENR. This appointment is pursuant to COA Office Order No. 2022-285
dated April 11, 2022.
By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division
CSC Grants Rewards and Recognition Award to MGB
On June 29, 2022, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has once again given recognition to the Mines and
Geosciences Bureau (MGB) through the granting of the Rewards and Recognition award to the agency.
Previously, the CSC awarded MGB with a certificate of recognition on Recruitment, Selection, and
Placement Learning & Development last February 10, 2022 at the same location, the MGB Multi-purpose
Hall. Both awards were handed by Ms. Fe P. Lacaba, Director II, CSC Field Office – Department of
Environment and Natural Resources.
The award is from the CSC Program to Institutionalize
Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management
(PRIME-HRM), a mechanism that empowers government
agencies by developing their human resource management
competencies, systems, and practices toward HR excellence.
The PRIME-HRM entails greater engagement not just of the
human resource management officer (HRMO) but also of the
officials and the rank-and-file employees of the agency.
Selected employees were also appreciated for their service to MGB when the nation was in lockdown
during the onslaught of COVID-19 pandemic last 2020. These brave personnel volunteered to report to the
office to keep our operations going. Thus, they were handed certificates of recognition by OIC-Director
Engr. Juancho Pablo S. Calvez. A sincere congratulations to our hardworking stewards in the Bureau!
By: Mineral Economics, Information, and Publication Division
MGBEA Celebrates 40th Anniversary
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Employees’
Association Central Office (MGBEA CO) Chapter held an Employees’ General Assembly on June 24, 2022 which
also coincided with MGBEA’s 40 Anniversary. Being created in 1982 under the Ministry of Natural Resources,
th
MGBEA is considered one of the oldest existing employee's union within the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR).
The activities for the momentous event kicked off with a Zumba session and a Thanksgiving Mass in the morning
followed by the general assembly in the afternoon held at the MGB Multipurpose Building. Engr. Juancho Pablo
S. Calvez, OIC-Office of the Director provided the inspirational message while welcoming remarks was given by
Dr. Maybellyn A. Zepeda, MGBEA CO Chapter President. Ms. Ma. Lourdes Stephanie V. Leido, MGBEA CO Vice
President discussed the 2021 accomplishments and on-going activities for 2022 of MGBEA CO. This was followed
by the 2021 Financial Report of Mr. Ariel S. Villanueva, MGBEA CO Treasurer. Lastly, Dr. Zepeda presented the
President’s report, 2022 Way Forward Targets, and other organizational concerns. She showed a brief history
including several milestones achieved by MGBEA such as:
1) Recognition as a legitimate employees union registered and accredited by the Securities and Exchange
Commission (Reg. No. 0107448), Civil Service Commission (Acc. No. 407), and DOLE-BLR (Reg. No. 1192);
and
2) Successful negotiation of six (6) Collective Negotiation Agreements (CNA) with the MGB Management which
provided numerous monetary & non-monetary benefits to the MGB employees
In line with the celebration’s theme “MGBEA Aiming High @40: Achieving Greater Heights and Excellence through
Service and Resilience”, Dr. Zepeda emphasized that for MGBEA to achieve greater heights and organizational
excellence, firstly, it must work
harmoniously with the MGB Man-
agement in the attainment of MGB’s
Mission, Vision and Thrusts and
secondly, it should build a
strengthened partnership with the
MGB Management founded on a
responsive, efficient, effective, and
resilient workforce.
By: Mines and Geosciences Bureau
Employees Association
MGB CENTRAL OFFICE TURNS OVER Admin Division Conducts Orientation on
ONE (1) UNIT VIBROMETER TO Safe Driving Behavior
MGB REGIONAL OFFICE NO. III
The Administrative Division held an orientation for
MGB employees on the Rewards System for Safe
As part of the Mining Technology Division’s (MTD) Driving Behavior on April 21-22,2022 held at the MGB
Multipurpose Hall.
Research and Development activity for 2022, the
The
MGB Central Office turned over one of its orientation was done pursuant to MGB
seismographs (Vibracord DX) to the MGB Regional Administrative Circular No. 2022-001 dated February
Office No. III. Thanks to the cooperation of Republic 10, 2022. This was attended by four batches of both
employees and drivers who utilize the MGB service
Cement and Building Materials, Inc., (RCBMI)
Bulacan Plant, the MTD technical personnel were vehicles. Its purpose is to orient employees on the
able to conduct a two-hour orientation on the use of Civil Service Commission’s issuance for the system of
rewarding MGB drivers who exhibit excellent
the equipment and the actual acquisition of vibration performance as shown in their driving skills and
and noise levels during a test blast at the RCBMI’s rapport towards their passengers.
quarry area in Minuyan, Norzagaray, Bulacan.
As transportation is part of every employee's daily
The application of the said technology shall provide routine whether during field work or regular office
better means of both government regulatory and work, driving is the most consistent activity done on a
operation to efficiently address operator-related daily basis and is also the most dangerous one.
concerns vis-à-vis community relation as well as However, this task is so routinary that it is easily
environmental management. neglected. Hence, it is only proper to remind
everyone to maintain an attitude of constantly having
everyone’s safety in mind.
By: Mining Technology Division By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division
NUIECP: A Wider Scope for MGB’s IEC Campaign
#MineResponsibility
By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division
Following the launch of the Information, Education, and Communication Campaign or the
#MineResponsibility, as an effort to educate and inform stakeholders about the mining industry's economic,
environmental, and community development role and contributions to the country, the mining companies
through the mining associations collectively, started working out on a program aimed at creating a unified
information and education program. The National Unified Information, Education, and Communication Pro-
gram (NUIECP) came to fruition.
The NUIECP is a collaborative effort of the mining companies to elevate the #MineResponsibility Campaign
into a nationwide scope, alongside the regular IEC program in place. To ensure an orderly implementation
of this program, a National Steering Committee was created composed of representatives from seven ma-
jor mining company associations.
Series of stakeholder engagements, consultations and meetings ensued. With the commencement of the
NUIEC Program, the whole mining industry hopes for a more efficient and wider scope of communication
and education to all stakeholders in furtherance of the #MineRsponsibility Campaign.
CALL FOR PAPERS FOR THE 2022 MGB ANNUAL TECHNICAL FORUM
The 2022 Annual Technical Forum is scheduled on September 28-30, 2022, MGB
personnel are invited to submit and present papers categorized into:
Technical
Policy
Training
Technical and Policy papers will be presented in Oral Sessions while
Training papers will be included in the Poster Presentation.
A one-page abstract of the proposed paper should be submitted not later
than 15 August 2022 and the full paper not later than 15 September 2022,
via electronic mail to:
[email protected]
[email protected]