TO STRENGTHEN their ardent desire to help government protect thw environment, the Alliance of Responsible Miners of Region 11 (Armor 11) has recently renewed its commitment to protect the Mother Earth.
This after the induction of officers and board of directors for 2015-2016 last July 23, 2015 at Marco Polo Hotel, Davao City.
The newly-elected officers are Atty. Rodulfo Palma of Apex Mining Company, Inc. as president; Joseph K. Palanca of Sagitarrius Mines, Inc. as vice-president; Rey Ernesto N. Millan of Aldevinco as secretary; Arvin L. Carlom of Asiaticus Management Corp..
Members of the board of directors are: Vicente T. Lao of Mt. Sinai Eploration and Development Corp.; Engr. Alexis F. Baligod of Pacific Mabuhay Mining Corp.; Melody O. Balicat of Nationwide Development Corporation (Nadecor), and Joel G. Badang of Holcim Philippines, Inc.
The new set of officers were inducted by Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau (MGB) Central Office assistant director Dr. Elme Billedo.
Billedo congratulated the newly-inducted officers with a promise that MGB will join them in doing their task to show that responsible mining is one sure way towards prosperity.
"Pagsama-sama, kayang-kaya po natin. Mabuhay kayong lahat," said Billedo, who was the guest of honor for the event.
In his welcome message read by Mindanao Business Council executive director Rolando A. Torres, Vicente T. Lao, Armor 11 immediate past president, said organization is an alliance of mining company representatives who introduce responsible mining.
Their alliance, according to Lao, will not only contribute to the growth of our economy, but ensures that the benefits will be felt by individual families; promote the interest of business and at the same time protect the rights of communities.
Lao said Armor 11 was born three years ago with a task to place a common burning desire of mining companies to think, plan, do, and live the principles of responsible mining.
He also stressed that Mindanao is rich in natural resources.
"The potential of the island, however, have not been fully tapped and there are other possibilities that need to be explored, one of which is Mindanao's minerals industry," Lao said in his written speech.
"The minerals sector is a potent major economic contributor to the economy. The breadth and depth of their impact on economic growth, taxes, employment, and personal wealth is recognized. It is a multiplier effect has been cited as among its significant contributions," he added.
He further said that Armor 11 sees the mining industry as a critical ingredient that will facilitate greater economic growth, attracting investments, creating jobs and reducing poverty in the region, particularly in the rural areas.
Lao said the new set of officers will ensure sound planning and implementation of environmental management systems by mining companies, and encourage transparency and stronger accountability among key players in the industry.
Nowadays, we need a group of people (Armor 11 included) who are very much concerned in protecting our environment. May their advocacy will become an agenda of everyone for the next generation.