24 June, 2019
Quisumbing Torres’ Energy, Mining and Infrastructure Industry Group, led by Dennis Quintero, moderated the discussions on the challenges, opportunities, policy reforms and best practices in harnessing the country’s natural resources and their contribution to sustainable development during the first Philippine Natural Resources Development Forum held last 26 April 2019. The forum, organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), convened stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as, representatives from civil society organizations and academic institutions.
The forum comprised of four sessions, featuring the following topics:
- Contribution to National, Local and Community Development
- Global Standards in Enhancing Inclusion along the Value Chain
- Good Practices in Responsible Natural Resource Management and Inclusive Value Chain
- Unlocking Future Growth Opportunities
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ret. Gen. Roy Cimatu delivered the keynote address.
In his speech, he highlighted the importance of looking into the social, environmental and technological, as well as the industrialization and exploration aspects of managing the country’s mineral resources. Particularly in mining, he calls out the relevance of social acceptability in the presence of host communities in order to regain and strengthen public trust. He suggests that social acceptability “should not just be treated in legal or regulatory sense”.
He also underscored his concern on waste production, expressing his discontent on the weak enforcement of environmental laws and mitigating measures, and asked the mining sector to also do their part, and “strictly comply with environmental laws and standards.”
Guest speakers included Usec. Rosemarie Edillion (National Economic and Development Authority), Isidro Alcantara, Jr. (Philippine Nickel Industry Association), Joen Reinier Dizon (Republic Cement Services, Inc), Angelito Kris Marcos (Shell Philippines Exploration BV), Renato Sunico (Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines), Engr. Rufino Bomasang (Petroleum Association of the Philippines) and Gerard Brimo (Chamber of Mines of the Philippines). Other representatives from the Department of Energy, and other government agencies, as well as, private companies and civil society organizations, presented on various relevant topics, as well. Each presenter gave updates on their contributions and future actions to enhance the benefits that the mining sector could bring to the growth of economy, protection of the environment, and respect of public’s interests.
QT’s Energy, Mining and Infrastructure Industry Group
Our EMI lawyers are part of Baker McKenzie’s global and regional EMI groups, which have collective know-how and shared best practices. Our transactional capability, coupled with our broad-ranging skills in project development, finance, corporate, tax, and environmental law, means we can deliver commercially effective solutions at every stage of the process.
For further information, please contact:
