EXHIBIT. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson checks out the photo exhibit on small-scale mining activities in the province during the Governor’s Permit Holders’ Forum and Dialogue held at the Negros Residences in Bacolod City on Friday (Feb. 21, 2020). Organized by the Provincial Environment Management Office, the activity gathered some 200 mining permittees from across Negros Occidental. (Photo courtesy of PIO Negros Occidental)
BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has reminded small-scale miners that the permit issued to them by the provincial government is a privilege that should not be abused.
“I want to be forthright with you, our permit holders. Please bear in mind that the permit given to you is a privilege, a privilege to use and enjoy our resources, not a license to abuse our finite natural reserves,” he said in his message to the participants of the Governor’s Permit Holders’ Forum and Dialogue held at the Negros Residences here Friday.
Some 200 participants, led by Negros Occidental Miners Permittees Association, Inc. vice president Allan Joseph Arceo, attended the whole-day gathering, which served as a venue to discuss and address pressing issues concerning the sand and gravel and mineral use in the province and to strengthen the collaborative participation between government agencies and permit holders.
Lacson said it is time that both the government and the private sector demonstrate that economic growth and protection of the environment can go together and not be in conflict with each other.
“I want to give you my full trust and confidence, that you will use the grant given to you responsibly and conscientiously, and it is my ardent hope that such trust will always be preserved and respected,” he added.
The governor also acknowledged the permit holders who have complied with the required fees in full.
During the forum, the permit holders/stakeholders were informed of the province’s policy direction for the year 2020 and were also asked to provide inputs on how to improve the permit processing and regulations in line with the need to promote responsible mining practices among mining practitioners in Negros Occidental.
Lacson commended the Provincial Environment Management Office, headed by lawyer Danilo Amisola, for organizing the forum and dialogue.
Amisola discussed the innovative changes that have been adopted and the future development strategies to improve the services related to applying for Governor’s Permit.
Regional Director Raul Laput of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Mines and Geosciences Bureau - Western Visayas discussed his agency’s relevant policy issuances. (PNA)
