In a concerted effort to bolster economic development and address pertinent issues within the small-scale gold mining sector, the Inter-agency Subcommittee on Gold Trading in Davao Region under the Economic Development Committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC) has recently convened.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, in the City of Mati, served as a platform for stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue regarding the challenges and opportunities prevalent in gold trading across the region.
The meeting, which also encompassed a focus group discussion with small-scale gold miners of Davao Oriental, aimed to foster collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, mining associations, traders, and other entities. The overarching goal was to effectively tackle issues associated with gold trading while exploring avenues for sustainable growth and environment protection within the sector.
A notable highlight of the meeting was the active participation of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). BSP Regional Director Judith Dolot, emphasized the importance of streamlining gold trade processes. She underscored the necessity for operators to channel their gold transactions through legitimate channels, particularly urging them to sell to the BSP directly to deter involvement in illicit black market activities.
Meanwhile, in his previous statements, Davao Oriental and Regional Development Council Chairperson Governor Niño Uy has stated the province’s stance on mining, emphasizing its ability to thrive without heavy reliance on the industry. He said the province could still survive without mining as it is focused on the tourism industry.
Governor Uy expressed that it never dawned on him to be in favor of any mining operation in Davao Oriental as there is just a very thin line separating such operations and environmental degradation.
However, he affirmed that while the decision regarding mining ultimately lies beyond the local government, his administration is committed to ensuring that operators adhere to legal frameworks, prioritize responsible mining practices, and fulfill their financial obligations for the betterment of his province, as well as the region.
In alignment with the thrust of the national government towards leveraging mining as a catalyst for economic development, stakeholders at the meeting collectively acknowledged the pivotal role of the sector in driving regional growth. However, emphasis was placed on the imperative of sustainable and responsible practices to mitigate adverse environmental impacts and safeguard the welfare of local communities.
Retired Major General Leopoldo Imbang, Jr., Natural Resource Conservation and Operations Division Chief of the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) said that the collaborative efforts showcased during the Inter-agency Subcommittee meeting underscored a commitment to fostering a conducive environment for the small-scale gold mining sector in Davao Region. By facilitating open dialogue and forging partnerships among stakeholders, this initiative hopefully aims to lay the groundwork for a resilient and equitable gold trading ecosystem that aligns with broader socioeconomic objectives.
Moving forward, stakeholders remain poised to continue their collaborative endeavors, leveraging collective expertise and resources to address challenges and unlock the full potential of the small-scale gold mining industry in the province and the region. By PIO | Photos by JB Rain
