As the nation begins the observance of Philippine Environment Month today, the National Coalition of Small-Scale Miners of the Philippines, Inc. (NCSSMPI) and environmental NGO BAN Toxics support the celebration of "Araw ng Pagkilala sa mga Magkakabod" or Small-Scale Miners' Day in Camarines Norte, as declared under Ordinance No. 07, Series of 2026.

Approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Camarines Norte, the ordinance seeks to recognize the contributions of small-scale miners to the provincial economy and overall development. It was based on recommendations made by the Small-Scale Mining Representative of the Mining Industry Tripartite Council (MITC), during meetings of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB), where the Samahang Magkakabod ng Camarines Norte (SAMACANO)-the Provincial Federation of Small-Scale Miners in Camarines Norte-is an active member.

"In Camarines Norte, gold production reached PHP 6.94 billion in 2025, a 139.5% increase from PHP 2.90 billion in 2024. Small-scale miners played a major role in this growth, contributing significantly to the province's economy," said Josephine Joven Balonga, President of NCSSMPI.

"Nearly 75% of the country's total gold production comes from small-scale miners. The Philippines ranks fifth among gold producers in Asia, with an estimated 500,000 small-scale miners across over 30 provinces. Despite their major contributions, they remain among the country's most economically disadvantaged labor sectors," Balonga added.

The ordinance also aims to support small-scale miners while promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices in the province.

"We commend the Camarines Norte provincial government for recognizing small-scale miners. We urge the national government to adopt the observance of Small-Scale Miners' Day nationwide and to prioritize investments in mercury-free technologies that safeguard miners' health and promote environmental protection," said Arleen Honrade, Head of BAN Toxics' Community Development Unit and Secretary of the Coalition.

"The history of the Magkamatao Small-Scale Miners Association in Labo, Camarines Norte-one of the first declared Minahang Bayan in both the province and the entire Bicol Region-demonstrates that a formalized, responsible, and environmentally sound small-scale mining industry is achievable," Honrade added.

NCSSMPI and BAN Toxics are also calling for the passage of House Bill 5840, or the Minahang Bayan Act, which seeks to revise the People's Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7076). It aims to streamline permitting processes, strengthen formalization, promote inclusive local development, and advance safer, mercury-free mining practices.

As advocates of the mercury-free Compassionate Gold Brand, the groups emphasized that the proposed measure must guarantee a just transition for small-scale miners through access to safer technologies and adequate support, ensuring that the shift to mercury-free mining is both beneficial to communities and aligned with environmental protection standards.

Through NCSSMPI's lobbying for streamlined permitting processes, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB) and partner agencies launched mobile one-stop-shop programs to expedite interim small-scale mining contracts nationwide. This helps miners formalize operations and sell gold at fair market value through the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

"As we recognize the vital role of small-scale miners, we must also acknowledge the need for a new law that truly supports the sector while ensuring environmental sustainability and the equitable sharing of the country's mineral wealth," said Balonga. "The nation's gold must be harnessed for the benefit of the Filipino people-Ginto ng Bayan, Yaman ng Sambayanan!" #

Source: Pressenza