Gacad: Mines Safety

THE 65th edition of the Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) will kick off on November 20 in Baguio City. We expect the stakeholders of the Philippine mining industry to once again flock our city for a four-day celebration that culminates with the recognition of best performers in environmental management in mining, mine safety & health and community development initiatives.

This yearly gathering comes amidst the recent tragedies that struck the region due to the howlers that came along in the last two months - “Ompong” and “Rosita.” The theme for the affair is “65 Years of Responsible Mining: Industry and Regulator Together in Advocating and Promoting Responsible Mining.”

These tragedies in Ucab, Itogon, Benguet and Natonin, Mountain Province were caused by similar factors - notably the heavy precipitation that triggered the landslides and the location of the elements at risk in relation to the slope instability, among others. The anthropogenic reasons are another story altogether but as was said several times, the wiser thing to do for now is not to point fingers.

What is clear, however, is that mining did not cause the landslides. This cannot be overemphasized. When someone told me that a comment was given by several people that pins mining as the culprit in Natonin, I told the messenger that the persons who made that comment do not know what they are saying.

I hope people will refrain from making crazy and unfounded conclusions on things that they have absolutely no knowledge of. Makauma ngay! Makapashudut pay, 'dba Benjie? ... hahaha ... hihihi ... hohoho ... ayna Christmas en! Chillax Coach!

November in Baguio is always a busy month. For one, we get to enjoy the start of the beautiful cool temperature that people in the lowlands dream of. We get to wear our new hoodies, right Malen? After the mine safety and environment week, we usher in the Fil-Am golf, not to mention that it will be December in a couple of weeks. At least it will give us a different atmosphere especially when we have Christmas carols and music blaring left and right. Whoa... just like that and 2018 will say goodbye.

Congratulations to Engr. Louie Sarmiento for a very remarkable performance as President of the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA). He has steered the PMSEA and ANMSEC to a different level and the innovations in the annual festivities in Baguio of the country's mining industry has resulted to greater participation, awareness and understanding of the importance of minerals and mineral products in everyday life.

To the miners, welcome to Baguio City. After all, Baguio City will not be Baguio City as it is today if not for the mining industry. The growth and development of the regional centers in Baguio and Benguet can absolutely be attributed to mineral resources development. Just a word of caution: let it be responsible mining!

Mabuhay ang responsableng industriya ng pagmimina!

“Every right has its responsibilities. Like the right itself, these responsibilities stem from no man-made law, but from the very nature of man and society. The security, progress and welfare of one group is measured finally in the security, progress and welfare of all mankind.” ~ Lewis Schwellenbach

“The real freedom of any individual can always be measured by the amount of responsibility which he must assume for his own welfare and security.” ~ Robert Welch

“Never mind your happiness; do your duty.” ~ Will Durant

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