Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza is scheduled to meet and join President Gloria Macapaga Arroyo today at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit that is being held in Sydney, Australia.

Representing the country’s DENR, Secretary Atienza will give a presentation on the Philippine Mining Industry at the Excellence Mining and Exploration Conference to be hosted by the Australia-Philippines Business Council at the Four Seasons Hotel at the Rocks in advance of the arrival of President Arroyo.

After Secretary Atienza’s presentation, President Arroyo will preside over a round table meeting with a number of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and other high level officers from large Australian companies either doing business, or have business interests, in the Philippines.

The Australia-Philippines Business Council was established more than 30 years ago with the primary aim of promoting trade, investment and technical cooperation between the two countries. The Council also seeks to foster friendship, understanding, and mutual benefit between the business communities of Australia and the Philippines. Its Resident Representative is Jose P. Leviste, Jr.

Earlier, Secretary Atienza vowed to revitalize mining by working closely with local government units (LGUs), in line with the national government’s thrust to promote the industry in the country.

Secretary Atienza made the commitment on Monday at the Business Leaders Forum held at Dusit Hotel Nikko in Makati City which was attended by over 70 CEOs of various multinational and local companies in the Philippines, more than half of which were mining companies.

According to Secretary Atienza, one of his vital roles is to communicate the positive side of mining, which is emerging to be one of the strongest drives of growth globally, to LGUs. At the same time, Atienza said that LGUs must also be reminded to maintain the "balance" in protecting the environment for the present and future generations and to benefit all, especially the poor.

“We need a strong partnership with the LGUs in promoting responsible mining at the grassroots level,” Secretary Atienza said.

Secretary Atienza added that the LGUs should also be principal allies in making sure that mining activities in their areas, large- or small-scale, are done responsibly and in accordance with existing laws. (DENR-PAO)

September 6, 2007