The mining industry in the Caraga Region will work jointly with the different government agencies, the local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders to strengthen the resilience of communities against the threats of natural disasters.

The move is among the agenda of the weeklong Caraga Resilient Mining Week (CRMW) activity which formally opened on Monday (July 24) in Surigao City and was graced Assistant Secretary Nonita Caguioa of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The CRMW was organized by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in the Caraga Region (MGB-13) of the DENR in partnership with the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines and the Philippine Society of Mining Engineers.

“The weeklong activity will bring together nearly 30 stakeholders in the mining industry in the region, including government agencies, mining companies, industry organizations, youth groups, and LGUs working together towards a common goal,” MGB-13 Director Larry Heradez said in a statement Monday.

The gathering, Heradez said, aims to address challenges posed by disasters and climate change by joining forces of all the stakeholders in the mining industry by developing programs to reduce risks and enhance community resilience.

“This is an important moment for Caraga Region and the mining industry as a whole. With the Caraga Resilient Mining Week, we are taking proactive steps towards responsible mining practices, community well-being, and environmental sustainability,” Heradez added.

Anchored on the theme “Responsible Mining – Pathway to Community Resilience,” the event will run until July 30.

Heradez said the CRMW seeks to present diverse programs to equip the participants with knowledge and tools to build a more resilient and sustainable community through knowledge-sharing sessions on disaster prevention and recovery.

“Focus discussions on promoting responsible mining investments and the prudent use of the nation’s mineral resources are also part of the activity,” Heradez said.

Promotion of Caraga’s mineral wealth

In a separate statement on Monday, the Department of Tourism in the Caraga Region (DOT-13) lauded the MGB-13 and the other stakeholders in the mining industry for incorporating the promotion of the region’s tourism industries and local products.

“Exhibitors from all over Caraga, during the weeklong event, will showcase their exceptional local products ranging from intricately crafted indigenous handicrafts to delectable culinary delights that reflect the rich cultural diversity of the region,” DOT-13 said.

It added that the respective booths of the exhibitors will also serve as interactive information centers which will provide insights into the region’s abundant tourist attractions to the guests and visitors of the event. (PNA)