Malacañang expresses full support for mining industry

MANILA, Philippines - Looking at mining as anchor for his poverty alleviation program, President Aquino has expressed his full support for the mining industry in his message to mining companies, as relayed by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje during the 57th Annual National Mine Safety Conference recently held in Baguio City.

Mining continues to be one of the sources of government income and it has a lot of potential in terms of solving poverty in the country, the President in his message.

The President took note of the mining industry’s import contribution of $2.7 billion since last year.

The industry also continues to provide not just livelihood but job opportunities for Filipinos, too. In the last six years, and taking into account the “multiplier principle,” the President noted that at least 632,000 jobs have been produced by the mining industry.

The Aquino administration has identified mining projects as a public-private sector partnership with the full backing of Malacañang.

The Aquino administration also vowed to guide the mining industry by protecting the investments of responsible mining companies but at the same time upholding the rights and interests of individuals and communities affected by mining projects.

According to Paje, the President is much concerned about the lessons from the recent mining accidents in Chile and China. Among DENR’s marching orders from the President is to ensure safe working conditions in mining projects.

The President has expressed his admiration for workers in the mining industry and salutes the miners for their contribution to nation-building and development through their hard work.