CEBU CITY — In recognition of its environmental protection and enhancement program, the Philippine Mining Service Corporation-Alcoy Mine/Dolomite Mining Corporation (PMSC-DMC), which is based in the town of Alcoy, Cebu was adjudged this year’s Titanium winner under the Quarry Operation Category during the recently concluded Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMEIA) ceremonies last November 14 in Baguio City.

Aside from winning the said award, the PMSC-DMC also won the second prize in the Non-Metallic Category for the Best Mining Forest Program.

The PMEIA ceremony coincided with the holding of the 56th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference in the country’s summer capital.

The PMIEA was officially established under Executive Order No. 399 on February 3, 1997 and re-established by virtue of Executive Order No. 374 last 10 October 2004.

Meanwhile, Roger A. de Dios, Regional Director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 said the recognition accorded PMSC-DMC will serve as another milestone for the company in accordance with the mandates of environment laws.

“The awards show that PMSC-DMC has done really good in fulfilling the policy set by Government which requires mining operations to be pro-environment and pro-people in order to sustain and conserve the wealth of our resources,” he said.

De Dios added that mining activities must be managed in an environmentally-responsible manner to achieve and maintain sustainable conditions at every stage of mining operations.

“The establishment of a functional and socially acceptable post-disturbance land use capability is one of the considerations of the award with dedication, commitment and initiatives for environmental protection,” de Dios explained.

The MGB7 Director pointed out that responsible mining is one of the priority or flagship programs of DENR Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr. who chairs the Selection Committee with the President of Chamber of Mines of the Philippines as Co-Chair, as it recognizes private sector’s initiatives and exemplary achievements in the protection of the environment in the mineral sector.

In 2008, PMSC-DMC spent nearly P1 million for its community development projects and P3.640 million for its environmental protection efforts where a total of 27.1527 hectares have been planted by the company with various tree species. PMSC/DMC is also a recipient of the Zero Lost Time Accident Award in 2008 and 2009.