MGB-V bares its 2009 accomplishment

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Bicol (MGB-V) bared today its major accomplishments for calendar year 2009, among several others:

1. Organized fifteen ( 15 ) Capacity – Building Seminars on Geologic Hazard Awareness and Disaster Preparedness in the Municipalities of Bulan, Sta. Magdalena, Matnog, Prieto Diaz and Castilla in Sorsogon; Pili, Ocampo and Tigaon in Camarines Sur; and Rapu-Rapu, Sto. Domingo, Bacacay, Malilipot, Tiwi, Tabaco City and Malinao in Albay. Local officials and residents were taught on what geologic hazards are, how and why they occur, what areas are likely to be affected and how to read and interpret Geohazard Maps, given information on  how they could make use of the maps for preparedness planning, how to prepare and what to do during the occurrence of Geologic Hazards like flood and landslide.

At the end of each seminar, a participating Barangay is given a poster on flood hazards and flyers on floods and landslides while the local Chief Executive is given geohazard maps in hard copy and in CD; VCDs on Living with Geologic Hazards and Community Based Flood Early Warning System and Landslide Disaster Preparedness; posters, booklet, and pamphlet on Landslides and technical report with maps.

A total of 408 Barangays and 1,213 participants benefited from this Capacity – Building seminar.

2. Conducted Geohazard Identification Surveys of at least 5 subdivision/land development projects in Albay, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur.

3. Conducted detailed investigation of areas threatened by landslides and other geologic hazards in Casiguran, Magallanes and Bacon in Sorsogon and in Bato, Catanduanes.

4. Monitored the safety, health and environmental commitments of 3 active large-scale mines in Bicol – Ibalong Resources and Development Corporation, Rapu-Rapu Minerals Incorporated and Filminera Resources Corporation.

5. Investigated and resolved a total of 12 complaints, cases and conflicts involving illegal treasure hunting in Mt. Isarog National Park and Pacol in Naga City, all in Camarines Sur; seizure of MV Tina by the Esperanza (Masbate) Municipal Bantay Dagat Task Force suspected to be loaded with sand materials; alleged illegal magnetite sand extraction in the Municipalities of Bulusan, Magallanes and Gubat including the reported extraction in Matnog, all in Sorsogon; against mining operation of Uni-Dragon Mining Corporation in Camarines Norte; alleged illegal small-scale mining within the watershed area in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte; alleged mining activities in Libmanan, Camarines Sur; alleged siltation cause by Konka-Fulim Mining and Development Corporation in Paracale, Camarines Norte; and alleged extraction of Ara-al (dimension stones) in Sangay, Albay.

6. Monitored 25 mining right/permit holders (Rapu-Rapu Minerals Incorporated, Trans-Asia, Masbate Phils. Incorporated, Filminera Resources Corporation, Johson Gold Mining Corporation, United Paragon Mining Corporation, Uni-Dragon, OroPhil and Nena Pimentel) to validate compliance and the activities undertaken within the area of their operation.

7. Monitored quarterly Ibalong Resources and Development Corporation in Camalig, Albay; Rapu-Rapu Minerals Incorporated, in Rapu-Rapu, Albay; UBS Marketing Corporation in Legazpi City and Filminera Resources Corporation in Masbate compliance to safety, health, environment and social programs during exploration, development and operation stage.

8. Strengthened the Multi-Partite Monitoring Teams (MMTs) for Ibalong Resources and Development Corporation (IRDC) in Palanog, Camalig, Albay; Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project in Rapu-Rapu, Albay and Filminera Resources Corporation in Masbate to monitor these mining companies environmental and social commitments. (LDV FEBRUARY 08,2010)