By Victor Martin
SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela — The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley), along with mining companies operating in the region will hold the 5th Regional Mining Conference and 2026 Stakeholders’ Forum at Casa Jardin here today,24 June.
Engineer Mario Ancheta, MGB Region 2 director, said the forum is designed as a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among government agencies, local government units, and communities on responsible mineral development.
“The gathering will focus on strengthening partnerships, promoting best practices, and showcasing initiatives that contribute to environmental stewardship and sustainable community development,” Ancheta said.
He added that MGB Region 2 aims to create space for direct engagement on how mining activities can align with environmental protection and community resilience by bringing stakeholders together.
The conference, Ancheta said, comes at a time when mining operations in the Cagayan Valley region are under close public and regulatory scrutiny.
“At the forum, key discussion points are expected to include mine rehabilitation and reforestation, water quality monitoring, waste management, and community development programs tied to mining permits,” Ancheta added.
Cagayan Valley is home to several major mining operations, including the Didipio Mine in Kasibu town and FCF Minerals Corp. in Quezon town, both in Nueva Vizcaya; the Dinapigue Mining Corporation in the coastal town of Dinapigue in Isabela, and the JDVC Resources Corp., an offshore mining company in Cagayan province.
The region also hosts several mining exploration companies such as the Woggle Corp. and North Luzon Minerals Resources Corp.
MGB said the mining companies in Region 2 were strictly monitored especially the implementation of their corporate social responsibility projects such as scholarship grants, infrastructure improvements, and skills training for host communities.
The 2026 Stakeholders’ Forum with the theme “Resilient Mining Communities through Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Development Initiatives,” is the fifth edition of the regional conference.
“Meaningful dialogue among all sectors is necessary to balance resource development with environmental protection and social welfare,” Ancheta said.
