LGUs to be represented in mining councils

The government is encouraging the participation of local executives in living them a seat and allowing them to participate in the decision-making process of the Minerals Development Council (MDC).

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza, who chairs the MDC, yesterday announced that Executive Order 469, issued on Oct. 11, 2005, has been amended to include the participation of local government units (LGUs) in the minerals council.

The LGUs’ involvement in the  MDC would advance the cause of making the mining industry more conscious of the environment and the welfare of communities which host mining ventures.

According to Atienza, the “involvement of the local government in the MDC is very important because the local chief executives are the most knowledgeable about the situation in their respective areas. They are also mandated to protect their constituents against potential hazards.”

Atienza pointed out that the MDC acts as an oversight committee to boost the administration’s goal of securing $6 billion in mining investments in the next few years.

The amendment of EO 469 increases the number ofcouncil members. Included as members of the MDC are the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, League of Provinces of the Philippines, League of Cities of the Philippines and Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas.

The inclusion of the LGUs brings to18 the members of the council which include key officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Presidential Adviser for Multilateral Development (vice chairman), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Land Reform, Department of Agriculture (DAR), Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Presidential Management Staff, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.

The MDC, which is under the Office of the President, coordinates national agencies and local government units to harmonize investment-related requirements and procedures.

The council, likewise, facilitates investments in the minerals industry and  assists mining investors by providing them information, guidance, direction and solutions to their investment problems.

The MDC also reviews all aspects in mining investments, including coming up with short-term and long-term measures for the sector’s sustainability.

The MDC advises the President on effective solutions to problems confronting the entry of mining investments into the country and  promotes investments in the minerals industry.

The council also  prepares and submits reports to the President on the status of investments in the minerals industry.