SURIGAO CITY - The mining industry is set to take center
stage for the three-day Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) that opens
today, Aug. 24 here.
The annual event, which usually focuses on
infrastructure and policy concerns as well as agriculture, the southern
island’s main economic driver -- will highlight mining this time.
On the second day, DENR Secretary Regina
Paz L. Lopez will talk about balancing social justice and economic growth
through sustainable development.
National Institute of Geological Sciences
Director Carlo A. Arcilla is scheduled to discuss the mineral products industry
development road map while Nickel Asia Corp. President Gerard H. Brimo will
talk about his company, which has operations in Claver, Surigao del Norte.
Aside from Nickel Asia, several mining
companies operate in the Caraga Region, including in the two Surigao provinces.
Among these are Philex Mining Corp. and Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. Seven
other firms in the region have previously been announced by the DENR as under
audit, namely: Marc Ventures Development Corp., Clarence T. Pimentel Mining
Corp. and Carrascal Nickel Corporation, all in Surigao del Sur; and Platinum
Group Metals Corp., Adnama Mining Corp., Taganito Mining Corp., Hinatuan Mining
Corp., and Greenstone Resources Mining Corp. in Surigao del Norte.
Bernardine T. Siy , president and chief
executive officer of the Fil-Pacific Apparel Corp., will discuss the challenges
and opportunities for the garments industry in Mindanao, where manufacturing
still needs a push.
Other sectors lined up for discussion are
wood, cacao and oil palm. Mindanao Development Authority Executive Director
Janet M. Lopoz will also discuss the role of Mindanao as a strategic economic
hub in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, while Dr. Felipe M. Medalla ,
a member of the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, will talk
about the risks, consequences and policy options in investing in Mindanao. (Carmelito Q. Francisco, BusinessWorld)
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