T’boli, South Cotabato — In line with the observance of Environment Month 2025, the Office of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (OPENRO) spearheaded a Small-Scale Miners Registration and Skills Training on June 10, held at the Municipal Gymnasium in Poblacion, T’boli, South Cotabato.
Carrying the national theme, “Ending Global Plastic Pollution,” the activity underscored the importance of sustainable and environmentally responsible practices, particularly in the mining sector. Over 300 small-scale miners from various barangays in T’boli participated in the one-day event, which aimed not only to formalize their registration and provide them with official Miners’ Identification Cards (IDs), but also to enhance their knowledge and skills related to responsible mining operations.
The training featured discussions on safety protocols, environmental protection measures, and legal frameworks governing small-scale mining. Technical experts from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region XII served as the main resource speakers, while representatives from the Provincial Treasurer’s Office (PTO) were also present to assist in the processing of miners’ documentation.
In his opening remarks, a representative from OPENRO emphasized the significance of empowering small-scale miners through proper orientation and regulation.
The initiative is part of the provincial government’s broader effort to promote environmentally sound practices in extractive industries, while also aligning with national directives to combat environmental degradation. T’boli, known for its rich mineral resources and active mining communities, has been a focal point of local and regional efforts to regulate small-scale mining and prevent ecological harm.
Participants expressed appreciation for the training, noting that it provided them with new insights and a clearer understanding of their roles as responsible stewards of the land. Organizers hope to replicate the program in other municipalities with active mining activities in the coming months.
The event concluded with the distribution of Miners’ IDs, signaling a step forward in formalizing and professionalizing small-scale mining operations in South Cotabato.
