THE MINES and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) XI revealed that Davao Region’s mineral resources have a gross production value of P11.7 billion in 2023.
During a media forum on July 16, Beverly Mae Brevante, MGB XI officer-in-charge, said the value is estimated based on the output of the 41 major scale mineral firms that collectively paid P487.7 million in excise taxes last year.
“The region is rich in mineral resources, particularly gold, nickel, and copper. The excise tax goes to the national government,” Brevante said.
Meanwhile, Department of Environment and Natural Resources XI regional director Atty. Ma. Mercedes Dumagan emphasized that in 2021 alone, Davao Region has already contributed P179.45 billion from the same minerals.
“Considering the foregoing, the MGB XI constructed a three-phase roadmap aiming to enhance investor confidence, expand domestic ore production and mineral assets, and uplift the country’s stand as a leading global powerhouse, commencing 2022 to 2040,” Dumagan said.
MGB XI has also continued intensifying its enforcement in illegal mining hotspots in the provinces of Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental.
“Davao Region is home to the largest number of locally declared Minahang Bayan in the country, with a total of 13, of which 6 have small-scale mining contracts. The region is also rich in sand and gravel deposits, with 313 sand and gravel permits issued by the LGUs,” she added.
