The Gold We Choose: Paving the Way for a Mercury-Free and Empowered Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Gold Sector in the Philippines

The Gold We Choose explores the legacy of the planetGOLD Philippines Project, capturing its milestones, partnerships, and the lives it has transformed. Through compelling stories from the ground, striking images of change, and the voices of miners, leaders, and communities, this book honors a sector often overlooked, yet vital to both local and national economies.

More than a record of achievements, it is a powerful testament to what becomes possible when people come together to build a small-scale gold mining industry that is mercury-free, safer, cleaner, and truly inclusive.

From the mining tunnels of Paracale to the highlands of Sagada, this is a celebration of gold that empowers lives, safeguards nature, and redefines what responsible mining can be – this is the gold we choose.

The Gold We Choose: Paving the Way for a Mercury-Free and Empowered Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Gold Sector in the Philippines

Published by:
Artisanal Gold Council through the planetGOLD Philippines Project

Editorial Development and Technical Review:
Abigail Ocate - AGC Philippines / planetGOLD Philippines

Content Development and Coordination:
Dawn Po Quimque - AGC Philippines / planetGOLD Philippines

Contributors:
Artisanal Gold Council Philippines Team
Abigail Ocate
Dawn Po Quimque
Mildred Arucan
Nikka Peña
Carmen Malabong
John Joe Gayao
Nicole Nievera
Meggy Katigbak
Myeka Trinidad
Christine Alvarez

Photography:
Dawn Po Quimque - AGC Philippines / planetGOLD Philippines

Copyediting:
RedAnts Media Inc.

Layout Design:
Allen Esteban

Final Editing: 
Abigail Ocate & Dawn Po Quimque
AGC Philippines / planetGOLD Philippines

Publication:
First edition, June 2025

The information in this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, in any medium, provided that the source is properly acknowledged. This document was developed and published through the planetGOLD Philippines Project, funded by the Global Environment Facility, and implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. The project is carried out in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and executed by the Artisanal Gold Council.

The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the Artisanal Gold Council or its partner agencies.

For more information, visit www.planetgold.org/philippines and artisanalgold.org