SECRETARY Maria Antonia Loyzaga of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Tuesday urged the mining industry to “rethink, invent and innovate” ways to develop the country’s natural resources, and “evolve to align with the principles of sustainability, stewardship and resilience.”
“Our nation is at a pivotal juncture where the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection has never been more pressing. And while climate change has increased the complexity of risk across different scales and sectors, it also now represents opportunities for reform in this particular sector and industry,” Loyzaga said during yesterday’s mining forum in Makati City.
With the theme “Pioneering the Green Transition: Advancing Sustainable Mining,” the event was organized by the Embassy of Sweden and Business Sweden, with the Chamber of Mines in the Philippines as co-organizer.
Loyzaga said the Philippines must leverage its natural wealth responsibly and equitably, ensuring that the socio-economic benefits of mining extend to all Filipinos, especially to the communities that host mining operations and those beyond.