THE PHILIPPINE MINERAL INDUSTRY THE PHILIPPINE MINERALS INDUSTRY REVITALIZATION WORKSHOP 2001 MINUTES OF THE MEETING, OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE The Legend Hotel Coffeeshop, Pioneer St., Mandaluyong City 01 August 2001 7:00 a.m. PRESENT: Graciano Yumul Jr | Vic Maglambayan | Patrick Caoile | Pablito Ong | Dainilo Rulloda | Fred Tejada | Rudy Obial | Rommel Pestano | Romeo Almeda | Emmanuel Bate | Ramon Santiago | Pomona Caccam | Wilfredo Madridejos | Pio Caccam | | DISCUSSED : Budget Mr. Caccam explained to the group how the Finance Committee arrived at the estimated budget of PhP 300,000.00. This amount would cover the materials, services and refreshments for the (initially planned) three days of workshop. Mr. Bate commented that the format of the workshop would determine the estimated costs. Dr. Obial explained that pre-workshop costs would be minimal, but contingency amount would be necessary. Mr. Almeda asked if there would be fee for resource speakers, if invited from outside the industry. (See Workshop Guidelines discussion.) Workshop Objectives Mr. Bate stated that the workshop needed a clear set of objectives, because this would be a basis for the workshop format. Dr. Obial remarked that the group needs to take a clinical look at the state of the industry (currently in decline), to set a context for the objectives. Mr. Caccam suggested the following: - Identify problems causing the decline of the industry
- Provide a venue for multisectoral opinions
- Provide a venue for examining aims and procedures of government
- Try to suggest possible solutions to appropriate agencies that can take action
Mr. Tejada expressed his preference for a written set of objectives, but only for the workshop, because post-workshop activities would be undertaken by separate task forces. Mr. Caccam then mentioned the efforts of the Philippine Mineral Development Council,, which is currently addressing the following questions: - Can we revive the industry?
- How can we revive it?
- What can be done?
Dr. Obial reiterated that the results of the workshop will be passed on to groups like the PMDC. Dr. Yumul came up with an initial "motherhood" statement for the workshop: The workshop will "determine and examine the state of the Philippine mineral industry at present; identify problems, possible solutions and options for the industry to contribute to helping solve the country’s problems." Workshop Structure Format The group discussed the pros and cons of opening the workshop to all, vs. inviting opinion-making participants only. The group’s goal is to organize a manageable and productive workshop. The workshop will serve as a venue for constructive criticism. Target Participants Dr. Yumul recommended that the convenor groups commit to sending a certain number of participants. Mr. Almeda pointed out that payment would be a limiting factor. Mr. Bate also said that housing, transport and living expenses would also limit the number of regional participants. Mr. Tejada estimated about 20 participants would come from the GSP. About 80 might attend from the PSEM, if the number includes representatives from the government, provincial/regional chapters and the academe. Mr. Rulloda said that a maximum of 100 participants is a realistic number for the venue. Dr. Ong requested Mr. Calanog, to come up with a list of invitees, and estimates of attendance. He also suggested that reps from the small-scale miners group also be invited. Flyer/Invitations Dr. Yumul suggested that those to be invited be given a first flyer. If they do not respond, there would be no need for a second flyer. Mr. Pestano suggested that invitation response forms should indicate the participant’s areas of interest. Schedule and Duration (see draft schedule prepared by Dr. Ong) The workshop will be scheduled for two days (two and a half days maximum) Day 1 9am-5pm | Brief Opening Ceremonies (Keynote Speaker) | 1 hour | | Plenary Session (Resource Speakers) | 20-30 mins @ | Day 2 9am-5pm | Group Discussions (can be simultaneous) | | | Group Discussions | | Day 3 9am-5pm | Plenary Session (Presentations) | | | Presentation of Draft Vision | | Workshop Guidelines The group agreed that Opening Ceremonies should be brief. The keynote speaker will discuss the background and goals of the workshop in his speech. Mr. Almeda suggested that the participants then move directly into the plenary session. Dr. Obial also suggested that there should be a house procedure governing speakers and reactors. Committee chairs or members can be resource speakers. Their role would be to stir up issues that will help bring out a wide list of problems needing discussion. Reactors would come from the list of invited guests. Mr. Bate remarked that talking points should be clear between speakers and reactors, and can be enumerated in the plenary session prior to breaking up into smaller groups. For as long as presentations are factual, there would be few expected conflicts. He gave the Environment Committee discussion guidelines as an example: - Present status
- Existing problems
- Solutions
- Compromises
- Strategies.
The group approved the initial workshop schedule and guidelines prepared by Dr. Ong. Title The group agreed on the title: The Mineral Industry: Boon or Bane to National Economic Development? Are you part of the Solution or part of the Problem? A Workshop Taking A Critical Look at the Mineral Industry Results Results of the workshop can be presented at the Mining Philippines conference one month later. Other Matters A finalized version of the MOA will be presented next meeting (August 15). Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 am. |