DENR Caraga and Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation (MMDC) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on July 13, 2023, for the utilization of an area as a log yard for the cut forest trees in the course of the latter’s mining operations as stipulated in the company’s approved Special Tree Cutting and Earth-balling Permit (STCEP).

Signing for DENR Caraga was Regional Executive Director Nonito M. Tamayo, CESO III, while MMCDC General Mine Operations Head Engineer Eduardo M. Francisco signed on behalf of MMDC.

MMDC is a mining company operating within Surigao del Sur, with an office at Sitio Ban-ban, Brgy. Panikian, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur.

The area, comprising 0.44 hectares, is within the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) of MMDC, specifically at Sitio Sipangpang, Brgy. Cabangahan, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.

OIC, CENR Officer Gay P. Resullar of CENRO Cantilan, MMDC Resident Mine Manager, Me Ann M. Miñoza, DENR Caraga OIC-Chief of Enforcement Division For. Romel B. Arbolonio and Carac-an Watershed Forest Reserve Protected Area Management Office (CWFR-PAMO) Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Charles Sullano of CENRO Cantilan witnessed the signing between the two parties.         

The MOA outlined the duties and responsibilities of both parties involved. The DENR shall: Be responsible for inventory and scaling of all cut logs from the approved Special Tree Cutting and Earth Balling Permit (STCEP), in close coordination with MMDC; Supervise the cutting and retrieval of logs derived from the approved STCEP; Provide technical assistance to the company during the hauling and turnover process; Supervise and monitor the day-to-day activities and developments within the identified temporary depository area; Conduct periodic inventory of logs deposited in the temporary depository area and submit reports to the Regional Office; and, Have the sole authority to dispose of and donate cut logs from the STCEP under existing laws, policies, and guidelines.

Meanwhile, the MMDC shall: Construct a perimeter fence around the temporary depository area, with only one entrance/exit; Employ licensed security guards to ensure 24/7 monitoring of the depository area; Install a generator set and solar-powered lights in case of power outages; Be responsible for the hauling and transportation of all cut logs from the approved STCEP to the identified temporary depository area, at their own cost; Take full responsibility for the protection of the logs stocked at the temporary depository area and in the event of theft or pilferage, the company will be held liable; Be accountable for any illegal or unauthorized disposition of logs from the temporary depository area under Presidential Decree 705, DENR Administrative Order 97-32, and other applicable laws, policies, and guidelines; and, Transfer all cut trees temporarily deposited at the Sitio Sipangpang, Barangay Cabanghan, Cantilan temporary depository area to DENR after all authorized trees have been cut, with the company covering the expenses for transportation to the established depository area of CENRO Cantilan.