CUNA: RESPONSIBLE MINING A NATIONAL OBLIGATION

NEWLY-APPOINTED Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna has affirmed the Marcos administration's commitment to responsible mining at a recent business forum in Quezon City.

- BY JONATHAN L. MAYUGA

"Responsible mining is not just a policy requirement—it is a national obligation. Our role at the DENR is to ensure that every mining operation in the Philippines follows a full-life cycle approach, where environmental protection, community welfare, and long-term rehabilitation are built into every stage of the project," Cuna said in a statement.

Cuna spoke at the recent Philippine-Korea Business Forum, wherein government officials and industry leaders emphasized the role of strong environmental regulation, responsible operations, and proper mine rehabilitation in shaping a more sustainable mining sector.

The forum gathered government officials, industry leaders, and business executives from the Philippines and South Korea to strengthen cooperation in sustainable resource development and economic growth. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines and President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea graced the opening ceremony, underscoring the importance of partnership in advancing shared priorities for development.