ATIENZA’S WORK CITED BY MINING INDUSTRY: WELCOMES NEW DENR SECRETARY

January 5, 2010

DENR Secretary Lito Atienza officially turned over the leadership reign of the DENR to Field Operations Undersecretary Eleazar Quinto during a New Year’s Call and Turn over Ceremony at his Office today. Atienza told a press conference last December 28 that he has submitted his irrevocable resignation to President Arroyo to enable him to concentrate on his bid to regain the leadership of Manila as Mayor.

In a statement, Chamber of Mines President Benjamin Philip G. Romualdez acknowledged the many contributions made by Sec. Atienza during his two and a half -year stint as Secretary of the DENR and as Chairman of the Minerals Development Council. Among the various accomplishments, the joint circular on mining taxes to boost the economy of host local government units hosting mining projects to enable them to reap the benefits from the development and utilization of natural resources was cited as the most important as this would benefit local communities as well as the mining industry. Romualdez also cited the establishment of a Security Plan and Protocols in specific mining areas leading to the creation of investment security forces; Geo-hazard mapping and assessment program of the entire country particularly areas that are susceptible to landslides, floods and ground instabilities; simplification of the processing of mining and environmental permits; issuance of ore export permit to curb mineral smuggling; and the creation of Regional Minerals Development Councils to boost government efforts to attract mining investors.

“Secretary Atienza’s pro-active promotion of mining investments in spite of the adverse advocacies against the industry by some sectors and his efforts to engage them proves his political will and belief that the development of mineral wealth will help achieve sustained economic development for the country. This alone, attest to his being an effective leader in mining investment promotions”. Romualdez added.

The Chamber of Mines also welcomes Usec. Eleazar Quinto as the new DENR Secretary whose work as field operations head would easily meet the requirements of managing the environment and natural resources of the country.