Thursday, June 15, 2006
4 towns to have 'Minahang Bayan'
By Ben O. Tesiorna
THE Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Davao Region is expected to declare "Minahan ng Bayan" in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental to address the lingering issue on illegal small scale mining in these areas.
Mines bureau director for Southern Mindanao Ed Arreza said they have proposed to legalize the operation of small-scale miners in areas like Pantukan, Nabunturan, Maco, and Mati.
But Arreza admitted the process for declaring these areas as Minahan ng Bayan would take a long process.
The mines bureau would have to conduct first a technical evaluation stage with the current condition and minerals abundance of the areas.
They will have to secure then clearances from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Public Works and Highways, National Commission on Indigenous People, and the National Power Corporation.
After which, it will undergo a series of deliberations to confirm the approval of legalization of the area as Minahan ng Bayan.
Lastly, it would be published by local media as officially declared Minahan ng Bayan for the information and awareness of the public.
The mines bureau has so far already conducted technical evaluation in Pantukan and Nabunturan.
If declared a Minahan ng Bayan, small-scale miners will be assured of investments and technical assistance.
Miners will also be paying only their income taxes. They could also transport their products legally to any point since they could now avail of transport permit.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (June 15, 2006 issue)
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