The Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) will formally launch the Safety Networking Action Program (SNAP) during the Awards Night and Testimonial Dinner of the Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) to be held Thursday (November 13, 2003) in Manila Hotel.

A symbolic offering of the program to the Filipino people will also be done during the event, with no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo receiving the commitment from the minerals industry. The President will also deliver a keynote speech and confer the Presidential Industry Environmental Award to this year's winners during the event.

“We acknowledge our responsibility of helping the government respond to natural and man-made emergencies especially in remote areas where they do not have adequate equipment and manpower. Most mining and quarrying companies have their own Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) and we are willing to share our resources and people to help communities in need,” said Jose Ernesto Rodriguez, PMSEA President.

On Monday (November 10, 2003), PMSEA along with the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Office of the Civil Defense of the National Disaster Coordinating Council to formalize and immediately operationalize the SNAP.

During the 1990 killer earthquake in Baguio, mining industry workers demonstrated their courage and skills in the search and rescue operations that saved a number of trapped victims.

Mining industry leaders agree that the SNAP is a fitting symbol for ANMSEC’s golden anniversary in recognition for mining companies’ commitment to safety, health, environment and social development.

PMSEA is a non-stock, non-profit and sectoral organization dedicated to the pursuit of continual improvement of current mineral industry practices on mine safety and health, emergency preparedness and response, environmental and social management. (PMSEA)