MANDAUE CITY (July 23, 2003) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Regional Office No. VII (MGB-7), in cooperation with the Philippine Society of Mining Engineers (PSEM)-Visayas Chapter is spearheading to convene a Regional Mining Summit, with the theme “Good Governance and Responsible Mining: Keys to a Revitalized Mineral Industry”. The Mining Summit is slated for September 24-26, 2003 at Bohol Plaza Resort and Restaurant at Dayo Hill, Mayacabas, Dawis, Panglao Island, Bohol.

MGB-7 Regional Director Eligio Z. Ariate said the summit is in line with the current thrust of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to revitalize the minerals industry.

“With the current administration’s unprecedented shift in policy from ‘tolerance to promotion’ of the minerals industry, the MGB has reaffirmed its vital role in achieving the vision of a prosperous, globally competitive and optimally developed minerals industry within the framework of sustainable development,” RD Ariate said.

The Regional Mining Summit, he said, is aimed at discussing and providing resolutions to the emerging mining issues and concerns; developing greater understanding and promotion of responsible mining in view of the existing mining laws and regulations with the ultimate desire of bridging the gaps and forging effective relationships with key stakeholders; and explaining, redefining, and strengthening, in clear terms, the realization of efforts geared towards the revitalization of the minerals industry.

To defray the expenses that will be incurred during the summit which include, among others, room accommodation (triple sharing), meals, summit materials (including souvenir program) and field trip, a participation fee in the amount of Two Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (P2,500.00), and Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00) per person for live-in and live-out arrangements, respectively.

Interested parties may contact MGB-7 at telephone numbers (032) 344-3046, 343-8557 or 346-2275 or through e-mail address mgb7cebu@mozcom.com or mgb7cebu@cvis.net.ph. (Region 7)