President Marcos warned over irresponsible mining, stressing that it must benefit communities, not burden them.
In leading the opening of the Mining Philippines 2025 International Conference and Exhibition on Wednesday, Oct. 22, Marcos called for responsible mining, stressing that every operation must be consistent with environmental commitments.
"Irresponsible mining has no place in our nation," Marcos said in his speech.
The government, he added, will strictly enforce laws against practices that destroy forests, that poison rivers, that endanger lives.
"Mining should build communities, not burden them," Marcos stressed.
"Every operation must be consistent with our environmental commitments, including the Paris Agreement and the Philippine Energy Plan. We must power the future without endangering the earth that sustains us," he said.
The President further stressed that mining must bring tangible benefits to the people.
"The wealth from our soil should translate into schools for our children, hospitals for families, and roads that link people with opportunities," he said.
Marcos also said that the Filipino people deserve to know how their resources are being managed. Thus, the government, he added, is strengthening transparency and accountability of the sector.
The President cited key reforms adopted by the government such as the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act which creates a fair, transparent, and consistent taxation framework for the sector.
He also cited the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System Act which ensures that the state measure its natural wealth by accounting forests, minerals, ecosystems, preventing unchecked exploitation and ensure sustainable development.
He likewise asked all mining operators to align their Social Development and Management Programs with national and global development frameworks, ensuring that they contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
He told them that the Philippines must continue to attract investors who respect the countryside laws, people, and environment.
"As we continue to explore this field, may our operations remain underpinned by science, guided by sustainable goals, and anchored on shared interests," he said.
He further urged them to shape a mining industry that is "a source of pride, a pillar of progress, and a model of sustainability."
The Chief Executive also thanked mining industry leaders for their engagement in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, to help ensure that mining revenues are used for the good of the Filipino people.
“This is the kind of partnership that turns resource generation into human progress,” the President said.
With the theme, “From Policy to Progress: Driving Mining Through Innovation and Investment,” the two-day Mining Philippines 2025 International Conference and Exhibition convenes leading figures from the mining industry to discuss the future of mining in the Philippines and beyond.