Permit holders whose Commercial Sand and Gravel (CSAG) Extraction applications have been approved vowed to operate responsibly and sustainably to ensure minimal environmental and community impacts.
During a simple awarding ceremony on Monday, February 27, 2023, the first ever held in the province, the eight approved CSAG applicants committed to ensuring the sustainable use of resources. They admitted that although having the permit allows them to extract aggregates to cater to the growing demands in construction and infrastructure projects, they also recognize their crucial role in conserving and protecting the environment where they operate.
To ensure permit holders’ understanding of these responsibilities, they were given an orientation on the permit’s terms and conditions based on Republic Act 7942 or The Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
As specified, each CSAG permit holder can operate for only a year with an extraction volume not exceeding 10,000 cubic meters within the approved area. They were also reminded that they now assume total responsibility and will be held liable for damages to private or public properties resulting from their operation. Moreover, they are expected to manage their operations in a technically and environmentally responsible manner.
𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆
Aside from complying with the environmental laws and regulations, Provincial Administrator Maria Gracia Tiago, who represented Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, reminded the permit holders of their Corporate Social Responsibility. “We have to give back to the community where we get the resources and our livelihood,” she said, noting that quarrying activities mainly affect the communities.
“Everybody wants development, but with development comes our greatest responsibility to take care of our mother earth and its people,” she said.
Although the province is keen on finding additional income due to the massive income reduction from the National Tax Allocation, the provincial government still prioritizes the environment and the community’s welfare.
Natural Resource Conservation and Operations Division Chief Retired Brigadier General Leopoldo Imbang, Jr. underscored the importance of responsible mining practices and considering the impact of extraction activities on local communities. He encouraged activities such as tree planting, river clean-up, and community welfare alleviation measures such as providing employment opportunities, supporting local businesses, and engaging with communities to address their concerns.
Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) Department Head EnP Dolores Valdesco expressed her gratitude to everyone involved, noting that everyone has a shared responsibility for protecting the environment.
Security and law enforcement stakeholders also committed their support to ensure laws and regulations are in place. Present from the security sector were Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office (DOPPO) Provincial Director Police Colonel Francis Donald Brillante and Lt. Col. Julio Binuhi representing 701st Brigade Commander Brigadier General Oliver Maquiling.
Also in attendance were the Municipal and City Environment and Natural Resources Officers of the municipalities of Caraga, Manay, Lupon, Governor Generoso, and the City of Mati, and the assigned inspectors. ᴋʟᴅ-ᴘɪᴏ | ᴘʜᴏᴛᴏꜱ ʙʏ ᴍᴀʀᴋ ᴏʟiᴠᴇʀ ᴀʟᴠɪᴛᴇ
