Mining Companies Ready to Work With Incoming DENR Head

The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) has welcomed the nomination of Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga as the next Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

COMP comprises large-scale metallic minerals development companies.

“We are prepared to work with Sec. Yulo-Loyzaga in her advocacies, particularly disaster risk reduction and response, sustainable development goals, and climate change protection,” says Michael Toledo, COMP chairman.

“Our sector eagerly anticipates a meaningful engagement with Sec. Yulo-Loyzaga as well as the members of the government’s economic team led by Finance Sec. Benjamin Diokno who has said that mining will be accelerated under the Marcos administration to help buttress the country’s post-pandemic recovery initiatives,” Toledo adds.

COMP also adds that they are looking forward to working with Sec. Yulo-Loyzaga with her fulfilling President Marcos’ promise of balancing environmental protection and economic development during his term. COMP likewise has mentioned that it will carry on promoting and encouraging responsible mineral developments in the country.

“Sec. Yulo-Loyzaga can count on our full support in weeding out illegal miners and curtailing irresponsible mining practices, which have tarnished the reputation of our industry for so long,”  mentions Toledo.

On the other hand, Alyansa Tigil Mina has mentioned that they are cautiously optimistic about the news of Yulo-Loyzaga as the next head.

“With her experience as executive director of Manila Observatory in Ateneo de Manila University, we expect her to use and rely more on science-based analysis to decide on environmental policies and practices at the DENR,” says Jaybee Garganera, ATM national coordinator.

Source: Philstar