Caraga minerals industry sustains environmental responsibility advocacy
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Caraga minerals industry gathered together to strengthen the advocacy campaign on sustained environmental responsibility, serving as a powerful demonstration of ecological commitment and collaboration.
The convergence took place on June 30 in Surigao City, spearheaded by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Caraga in line with this year’s culmination program of Environment Month.
It gathered stakeholders from across the Caraga minerals industry, serving as both a reflection of a month-long advocacy campaign and a rallying cry for sustained environmental responsibility.
The event was anchored on the theme, “Aksyon Klima, Bayanihang Mapagkalinga sa Kapaligiran” (Climate Action, Mutual Care for the Environment).
OIC-Regional Director Francis Glenn N. Suante reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to environmental stewardship, responsible mineral resource development, and active stakeholder engagement.
His address was particularly significant as it marked the continuation of the vision he championed during his tenure as chief of the Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division (MSESDD).
Now in his new role, Suante underscored the MGB Caraga’s ongoing mission and emphasized the Bureau’s dedication to sustainable development. His appointment symbolised a smooth transition, ensuring the consistent implementation of programs focused on environmental protection, responsible mining, and excellent public service.
“Our commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible mineral resources development remains unshakeable. True progress lies in our ability to engage our stakeholders and protect our ecosystems simultaneously,” Dir. Suante said.
To bridge the gap between complex environmental concepts and public awareness, and to highlight the celebration of three major competitions that were participated in by personnel from different mining companies, including eco-grazing board charcuterie, mining vlog, extemporaneous speaking, and the search for Ginoo at Binibining Kalikasan 2026.
Meanwhile, on behalf of the mining industry, CREDO (Community Relations, Education and Development Officers Organization, Inc.) Caraga President Rudilyn Velasco said, “This year’s Environment Month theme reminded us that the actions we take today will shape the future we leave for tomorrow. Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility – one that calls for collective action, commitment, and compassion.”
She said that awareness is the first step, but continuous learning and meaningful action are what truly empower us to address the growing challenges of climate change. Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a lasting, positive impact.
Velasco added, “Together, let us build resilient and sustainable communities, united in our commitment to safeguard our planet for our children and for generations yet to come. Through the spirit of bayanihan, we can turn climate action into a shared mission and create a future where both people and nature thrive.”
She told the audience that the engagement amplified the voices of the Caraga minerals industry, reframing stakeholders not just as operators, but as proactive educators and climate change advocates.
As the 2026 Environment Month Culmination concluded, the message resonated that environmental protection is a shared, ongoing responsibility. Through this event, MGB Caraga reaffirmed its dedication to empowering local communities, enforcing rigorous regulatory standards, and cultivating a deep-seated culture of environmental awareness.
By strengthening partnerships between the government, private sector, and host communities, Caraga’s mining industry continues to pave the way toward a more resilient, sustainable, and climate-conscious future. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from MGB Caraga)
