Mines bureau issues interim small-scale mining contracts in Bicol

By Rosalita Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte --- Seven individuals and organizations have signed their interim small-scale mining contracts during the Mobile One-Stop Shop (MOSS) event organized by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in the Bicol region (MGB 5).

Under the interim small-scale mining contract, miners are given two years to fulfill all their requirements in order to obtain their license. This license will enable them to sell gold to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Among the seven signatories is the Sta. Barbara Small-Scale Miners Association, which consists of 300 members, and is one of the organizations from Camarines Norte that secured an interim small-scale mining contract.

“It is a great advantage for us local miners to operate legally because it protects us from mine raids. Having a license allows us to conduct our operations properly here in Camarines Norte,” said Cris Despabiladeras of Parang, Jose Panganiban, who serves as one of the association’s directors.

The others who signed contracts were Magkamatao Small Scale Miners Association, Sta. Barbara Small-Scale Miners Association, Barkada’s Small-Scale Mining Association, Samahan ng Mga Minero sa Barangay Tawig, and Green-Gold Small Scale Miners Association, all based in Camarines Norte.

Additionally, Terranova 78 Inc. signed a contract to work in “Minahang Bayan” in Masbate province.

Tomas Cariño, the director of the BSP South Luzon Regional Office, emphasized that miners with a small-scale mining contract within a Minahang Bayan are legally required to sell gold to the BSP. The price of gold is determined by the international market and is completely tax-free.

“MOSS is a major milestone for the MGB because it relaxes the requirements for issuing Small-Scale Mining contracts. Operating without a contract is a major barrier to selling gold to the BSP,” Cariño said.

He explained that it is far better to sell gold to the government or the BSP rather than the black market, because they bring it outside the country. In contrast, selling to the government ensures it becomes part of the nation’s gross international reserves.

He added that the BSP is currently conducting a feasibility study on establishing a gold-buying station in Camarines Norte. In the meantime, miners can sell their gold to accredited partners.

Meanwhile, more than 700 miners attended the MOSS on May 20, 2026, at the Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) gymnasium.

The MOSS showcased services of the BSP South Luzon, Department of Labor and Employment, Cooperative Development Authority, and Landbank of the Philippines, all of which presented their respective programs for miners.

“We are here to speed the processes and ensure proper environmental protection. We recognize your contribution to our economy, that is why we brought our services closer to you,” said DENR Assistant Secretary for Mining Concerns Michael Cabalda.

Cabalda said that Bicol produces 4 kilograms of gold per year, valued at over P15 million. He added that when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. learned of this data, he was surprised and immediately directed the agency to prioritize streamlining the application process so that miners would no longer struggle to secure a small-scale mining contract.

The MOSS in the Bicol Region is the third leg conducted by the MGB for the issuance of Interim Small-Scale Mining contracts.

“The influx of gold into the BSP will boost livelihoods in the community and have a significant impact on the country’s overall economy,” Heradez said. (PIA Bicol/Camarines Norte)