PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday underscored the government’s firm stance against irresponsible mining, emphasizing that mining operations in the country must uplift communities rather than harm them.
Speaking at the opening of the Mining Philippines 2025 International Conference and Exhibition on October 22, Marcos called for “responsible mining” practices that align with the country’s environmental and sustainability goals.
“Irresponsible mining has no place in our nation,” Marcos said, vowing strict enforcement of laws against operations that destroy forests, pollute rivers, or endanger lives.
“Mining should build communities, not burden them,” he added. “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.”
The President said that the wealth generated from mining must directly benefit the Filipino 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.
To ensure transparency and accountability in the mining sector, Marcos highlighted ongoing government reforms, including the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, which establishes a fair and consistent taxation framework, and the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System Act, which ensures proper valuation and protection of the country’s natural resources.
He urged mining operators to align their Social Development and Management Programs with both national priorities and global sustainability frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Marcos also encouraged investors to pursue responsible partnerships that respect local communities, environmental standards, and Philippine laws.
“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, urging the industry to become “a source of pride, a pillar of progress, and a model of sustainability.”
He thanked mining industry leaders for their engagement in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), noting that it plays a crucial role in ensuring that mining revenues are used for the benefit of the Filipino people.
“This is the kind of partnership that turns resource generation into human progress,” Marcos added.
With the theme “From Policy to Progress: Driving Mining Through Innovation and Investment,” the two-day conference gathered local and international mining leaders to discuss innovations, policies, and investments shaping the future of the Philippine mining industry.