Marcos reconstitutes Diwalwal mining task force

MOUNTAIN OF GOLD Settlers engaged in small-scale mining have been raising their families in a gold-rich community on Mt. Diwalwal in Monkayo town, Compostela Valley, for decades. — File photo by Dennis Jay Santos

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed an executive order (EO) strengthening the National Task Force Diwalwal, which oversees mining operations within the Diwalwal Mineral Reservation Area in Davao de Oro province.

According to EO No. 88, signed on July 4, Marcos ordered the reconstitution of the National Task Force Diwalwal and designated the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as the new chairperson of the task force.

READ: DENR starts environment crackdown at Diwalwal

The task force members include a representative from the Office of the President, the secretary of the Department of National Defense, the secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority.

Based on the EO, the task force will oversee all mining activities, as well as the implementation of government programs, activities, and projects aimed at the rehabilitation and development of the gold-rich area.

“All concerned government agencies are hereby directed, and all local government units within the province of Davao de Oro and the private sector are hereby encouraged, to render full support to and cooperation with the Task Force to ensure the effective implementation of this Order,” the EO read.

“The funding requirements for the initial implementation of this order shall be charged against the existing appropriations of the member-agencies of the Task Force, subject to relevant budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules and regulations. Thereafter, the subsequent funding requirements for the purpose shall be included in the budget proposals of said member-agencies, subject to the usual budget preparation process,” it also read. /das