Thursday, 24th January 2008 (1124 views)

Philippines president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has extended the role of local government units (LGUs) in the sustainable development of the nation's minerals industry, it has emerged.

On December 28th the president signed an under executive order incorporating LGUs into the Minerals Development Council (MDC).

Ms Arroyo cited the decision as indicative of the need to localise the promotion of socially responsible mining, according to the Catanduanes Tribune.

The new executive order sees the department of energy and natural resources chair the MDC, which also includes the departments of interior and local governments; finance, trade and industry land reform; agriculture; national defence; and labour and employment.

President Arroyo has highlighted the government's intention to develop the mining of gold and other precious metals in the Philippines, making the industry central to the country's economic prosperity.

The report notes that the nation is the third-richest nation in the world in terms of gold reserves.

Elected to a six-year presidential term in 2004, Ms Arroyo is the Philippines' second female president.

 

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