Mining congress to feature top local officials, foreign dignitaries
September 13, 2011
GMA News

Chinese Ambassador Liu Janchao will recall the highlights of President Benigno Aquino III’s recent state visit to China in his talk in the Mining Philippines 2011 Conference and Exhibition from September 13 to 15 at the Sofitel Hotel Philippine Plaza, Pasay City.

During Aquino’s five-day trip to China last month, the Philippine government had lined up six bilateral agreements that included mining projects, having expressed its full support of the local mining industry in which China has already invested a lot.

Aside from the Chinese ambassador’s talk, the three-day event will also showcase the successes and contributions of different mining ventures to the Philippines, as well as discuss the future of the industry as a tool to further national growth. The event carries the theme “Driving Progress, Communicating Results."

On Tuesday (Sept. 13), Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa will deliver the President Aquino’s keynote speech for the conference.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, Jr. will be the guest of honor during the event and, on Wednesday, will deliver a talk on “Instituting Policy Reforms in Mineral Resource Development."

Finance secretary Cesar Purisima will speak on “Promoting Financial Transparency in the Mining Industry."

House committee on environment and natural resources chairman Representative Francisco Matugas Sr. will also attend the conference.

Benguet Corporation CEO and Chamber of Mines of the Philippines president Benjamin Philip Romualdez will lead discussions on industry policy reforms for progress.

Another foreign dignitary will also speak during the conference. Chilean Ambassador Roberto Mayorga will discuss “Mining - A Vital Partner for National Progress: The Chilean Experience"

Chamber of Mines chairman Artemio Disini, meanwhile, will lead a discussion on mineral commodities outlook.

Other speakers and topics include: Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection Nereus Acosta; International Finance Corporation resident representative Jesse Ang – “World Economic Outlook and the Future of Minerals;" World Wildlife Fund Philippines vice-chairman and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan - “Integrating Biodiversity in the Mining Life Cycle;" Quisumbing Torres Law partner Atty. Dennis Quintero - “The Dynamics between the IPRA and the Mining Act;" Philippine Business for Social Progress executive director Rafael Lopa - “Meeting Society’s Social and Environmental Expectations: A Score Card;" and Ateneo law professor Justice Alberto C. Agra, - “Understanding the Mechanics and Defense Strategies on the Writ of Kalikasan."

Another highlight of the event will be the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement for the “Adopt A School" program between the Chamber of Mines and Education Secretary Armin Luisitro.