MGB asks help for Geohazards Mapping Program The lack of geologists in the regional offices of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) hampers the accomplishment of the 1:10,000 scale Geohazards Mapping and Assessment Program of President Aquino’s Administration. MGB Regional Director Fay W. Apil recently called for a meeting with mining companies in the region to present the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) which will be signed by the MGB regional offices with holders of Exploration Permits, Mineral Production Sharing Agreements, and Financial Technical Assistance Agreements. The MOA will guide local government units on land use planning and to abate the adverse effects of natural and man-made geologic hazards brought about the climate change phenomenon in their Disaster Risk Reduction and Management plans. During the MOA review, mining companies suggested for the local government unit’s participation in the conduct of the geohazard map because it is useful in geohazards assessment, land use planning, disaster risk reduction and management planning. Geohazards in the Cordillera usually come in the form of landslides, flooding and earthquakes. The region is highly susceptible to landslides being characterized by steep slopes; and earthquakes being located in a mineralized areas surrounded by faults which are considered natural causes. On the other hand, man-made causes of landslides can be attributed to deforestation, kaingin and slush and burns; and irresponsible mining. Likewise, flooding in low-lying areas is brought about irresponsible waste disposal. The mining tenement holders may utilize their Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) or Community Development Program (CDP) funds under the Development of Mining Technology and Geosciences (DMTG) category in the implementation of the program for 2013. After explaining the content of the MOA and how the project shall be carried out, some participants gave reservations due to the very limited geologists they have but others were also supportive especially that their areas covered in their exploration activities are the subject areas needed for geohazard assessment and mapping.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Jul 2013 12:03:40 +0000