Reinforcing its commitment to transparent governance and people centered development, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato highlighted the importance of responsible and inclusive mining during the 32nd annual symposium of the Mindanao Association of Mining Engineers, Inc. held at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.
Representing Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Siegfred Flaviano delivered the keynote address on the second day of the gathering, which carried the theme “Resilient Mining Footprint Balancing Economic Growth Environmental Care Community Partnership and Technology.”
In his speech, Flaviano underscored that resilience is not merely a technical concept but a guiding principle in governance in South Cotabato. He emphasized that every development decision must account for its long term impact on communities and the environment.
“For us in South Cotabato, resilience is not merely a technical specification. It is the heartbeat of our governance. Every step we take leaves a mark on the earth,” Flaviano said.
He highlighted that under the leadership of Governor Tamayo, the provincial government continues to promote policies that ensure economic activities such as mining contribute directly to community welfare while safeguarding natural resources. This approach aligns with the administration’s broader agenda of transparency, accessibility of services, and inclusive growth.
Flaviano also stressed the importance of open governance in strengthening public trust, particularly in industries that significantly affect local communities.
The provincial government’s participation in the symposium reflects its proactive stance in engaging with industry stakeholders, experts, and policymakers to advance responsible mining practices. It also demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that development initiatives remain anchored on accountability and community partnership.
Concluding his message, Flaviano called for a more inclusive approach to development, emphasizing that economic gains must translate into tangible benefits for all sectors of society, especially Indigenous Cultural Communities.
“Mining must not be an island of prosperity in a sea of poverty. It must be the engine that drives the roads we travel, the hospitals that heal us, and the schools that educate our youth, especially within our Indigenous Cultural Communities,” he said.
The event gathered mining engineers, industry leaders, and government representatives from across Mindanao to discuss sustainable practices and innovations in the sector. For South Cotabato, the platform served as an opportunity to share its governance model that places people, environment, and transparency at the center of development.
