PGMA gives LGUs big say in mining dev't at local level
Manila (15 August) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued local government units a say in mining development at the local level.
In issuing E.O. No. 745, the President through Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said it amends E.O. No. 469-A dated 11 Oct. 2005 to allow representation and participation of the LGUs in the Minirals Development Council (MDC) through the leagues of municipalities, provinces and cities and barangays.
"xxx The inclusion of the representation of the Local Government Units will ensure the promotion of socially responsible mining development at the local level."
Under the new Executive Order (E.O. No. 745) the MDC shall be composed of the following:
Department of Environment and Natural Resources - chairman
Department of Interior and Local Government - member;
Department of Finance - member;
National Economic Development Authority - member;
Department of Trade and Industry - member;
Department of Land Reform - member;
Department of Agriculture - member;
Department of National Defense - member;
Department of Labor and Employment - member;
Presidential Management Staff - member;
National Commission on Indigenous Peoples - member;
National Anti-Poverty Commission - member;
Philippine Information Agency - member;
Chamber of Mines of the Philippines - member;
League of Municipalities of the Philippines - member;
League of Cities of the Philippines - member;
Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas - member;
The chairman of the MDC, serving in an ex officio capacity, shall preside at all meetings of the MDC and ensure that all policies, directives, plans and programs of the MDC are faithfully carried out.
There shall also be an executive director with the rank of undersecretary, who shall be appointed by the President and who shall manage the day-to-day affairs of the MDC.
The representatives from the members of the MDC shall have the rank of undersecretary. The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines shall be represented by its President." (PIA-MMIO) [top]