'We cannot issue mining permits without public participation' -DENR official underscores strict requirements on mining operations

Tabuk City, Kalinga – "We cannot simply issue a mining permit without the participation of the proper committee."

This was the firm message of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) Imelda B. Casiwan during the Symposium on Mining and Sustainable Development held on July 20, 2026, where government officials emphasized that responsible mining must be anchored on transparency, legal compliance, environmental protection, and meaningful public participation.

The symposium was organized by Save Kalinga, a civil society organization advocating for the protection of Kalinga's environment and ancestral domains, in partnership with SUMKKAD (Save the Unified Mountain Kingdom of Kalinga Against Destruction), a coalition of community leaders, Indigenous Peoples, church groups, and environmental advocates that campaigns for the sustainable management and protection of the province's natural resources.

The activity aimed to provide residents with factual and balanced information on mining by discussing the country's mining laws, environmental safeguards, and the potential economic, social, and environmental impacts of mining operations, enabling the public to make informed decisions on issues affecting the province.

In her welcome remarks, Ann Ann Dickpus, vice president of Save Kalinga, underscored the importance of informed public discourse on mining.

She said that regardless of whether a person supports or opposes mining operations in Kalinga, the most important thing is for everyone to be well informed about both the potential benefits and the possible risks that mining can bring.

"Whether we are for or against mining, we must first understand both its advantages and disadvantages so that our opinions and decisions are based on facts and not merely on emotions or misinformation," Dickpus emphasized.

During the symposium, Casiwan stressed that mining permits cannot be issued without the participation of the appropriate committee in the evaluation process.

"Haan nga mabalin nga agited (kami) laeng iti permit iti maysa nga mining (company) nu awan ti participation iti committee," Casiwan said.

She emphasized that responsible mining goes beyond extracting mineral resources and should ensure that development benefits both communities and the environment.

"Mining for a resilient future is the responsible, transparent, and sustainable extraction of mineral resources that balances economic growth with environmental protection, climate resilience, social equity, and the well-being of present and future generations," she said.

Meanwhile, Jestee Ruth M. Donaal, representative of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau–Cordillera Administrative Region (MGB-CAR), discussed the evolution of the country's mining laws and the legal safeguards governing mining operations in the Philippines.

She explained that the Philippine Bill of 1902 first provided the legal basis for acquiring mining claims, while Commonwealth Act No. 463 established the country's first comprehensive mining law. Presidential Decree No. 463 later strengthened State control over mineral resource development and promoted the systematic exploration and utilization of the country's mineral resources.

Donaal said the country's current mining policy is governed by Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, which regulates the exploration, development, utilization, and conservation of mineral resources.

Under the law, mining companies are required to secure the necessary government permits, conduct environmental impact assessments, implement environmental protection and rehabilitation programs, comply with safety and environmental standards, and recognize the rights of Indigenous Peoples and affected communities before and throughout mining operations.

She also emphasized that not all areas are open to mining activities.

"Areas closed to mining are areas covered by valid and existing mining rights and mining applications, areas that the Secretary may exclude, areas expressly prohibited, and military and other government reservations, except with prior written clearance from the government agency concerned," Donaal said.

The symposium highlighted that mining in the Philippines is governed by strict legal requirements and that transparency, environmental stewardship, and meaningful public participation remain essential in achieving responsible and sustainable mineral development. It also sought to encourage Kalinga residents to participate in discussions on mining based on factual information and a clear understanding of both its opportunities and its potential consequences.