MGB-13 takes part in PSSMAI and LGU Placer benchmarking
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office 13 took part in the benchmarking of the Placer Small-scale Mining Association, Inc. (PSSMAI) and the Local Government Unit of Placer on March 30, held at the mine site of Masabong Village Small-Scale Miners Association (MAVISSMA) in Rosario, Agusan del Sur.
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The said benchmarking was highlighted with a site visit to the Anahawan Adit which is located within the Small Scale Mining Contract of Rosario Manobo Tribal Association under the MAVISSMA.
Also, a tour to the cacao and rubber plantations of VPO Rosario Agro-Industrial Development Corporation which was followed by a tour of the Lerio Chocolate Shop as well as the factory where they had a delightful chocolate tasting experience, and also visited the gold processing plant of MAVISSMA.
The participants enjoyed the premium specialty chocolates made from single-estate grown cacao of Rosario. It is noteworthy that the small-scale mining operations of VPOMRDC (VOP Mineral Resources Development Corporation) gave birth to these downstream industries and business enterprises.
With deep gratitude for the kind accommodation of MAVISSMA and VPOMRDC, the officials of LGU Placer expressed their long hoped-for aspiration of establishing a Minahang Bayan in the Municipality of Placer, Surigao del Norte and the socioeconomic benefits that their fellow Placernons will gain from it.
In his closing remarks MGB-13 Regional Director Larry Heradez commended the well-organized activity and his appreciation of the best practices of MAVISSMA as well as the resounding success story of VPOMRDC.
With much optimism, he also expressed his hope for the establishment of more successful Minahang Bayan areas not only in Caraga Region but in the whole country. (MGB-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
