Voices
27 September 2024
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National Investment and Gender Specialist, Artisanal Gold Council Philippines for the planetGOLD Philippines project
The Artisanal Gold Council Philippines (AGC) through the planetGOLD Philippines project conducted a series of investment-related activities in its project sites in Sagada, Mountain Province and Paracale, Camarines Norte from June-September, 2024. These activities aimed to establish a community-led approach towards determining the financial future of the planetGOLD Philippines partner mining organizations–the Samahan ng Mga Minero ng Barangay Casalugan (SMBC) based in Paracale, Camarines Norte and the Northern Sagada Barangay Small Scale Mining Association Incorporated (NSBSSMAI) based in Sagada, Mountain Province.
The design of both activities differed based on the economic realities in both project sites. Claiming different approaches to different areas is key to recognizing the realities that will allow each community to thrive in their own way. It is also important to acknowledge specific issues that need to be addressed in a particular community. For instance, Sagada is guided by a Local Investment Code which ensures that businesses and investments in Sagada benefit the local community members and its industries. In Paracale, ongoing discussions needed to be conducted to ensure that specific obstacles pertaining to formalization and access to finance and markets are being addressed.
Navigating Investment Opportunities in Sagada
Sagada, as a highly protected historical community, seeks to ensure that its indigenous culture is preserved and that its local economy serves the interest of the Sagadanians. Cognizant of this reality, the planetGOLD Philippines project organized a Multi Stakeholder Investment Meeting on July 2, 2024 in Sagada, Mountain Province. Participants from the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Sagada, the private sector, AGC Philippines, and the NSBSSMAI were invited to discuss and share insights for the economic enhancement of NSBSSMAI’s artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) operations.
The meeting conducted important discussions on the current state of the Mercury-Free Processing System (MFPS) donated by the planetGOLD Philippines project and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB). It focused on exploring the possibilities for its expansion to be able to increase its gold production and possible investment avenues to realize the expansion goals for the MFPS. Majority of the meeting was led by the NSBSSMAI’s board or directors, who discussed pathways forward in the growth of their ASGM operations through the MFPS.
At the moment, the NSBSSMAI, through the assistance of the planetGOLD Philippines project, is exploring financing opportunities from relevant local government agencies as well as a key partner micro financing institution, Cebuana Lhuillier.
Overcoming Obstacles Towards Further Formalization and Accessing Finance and Markets in Paracale
Since its inception, the planetGOLD Philippines project has been instrumental in the work towards the formalization of SMBC as a small-scale gold mining association. The project has assisted in securing as well as renewing SMBC’s small-scale mining contract. It has also assisted in the current processing of its mineral processing license. However, several barriers still have to be overcome to ensure the further formalization of the association.
The project’s previous engagements with the SMBC found that significant work needs to be done towards strengthening the association’s management—an important factor for investors to see the value in an organization. In line with this, the planetGOLD Philippines project organized two events seeking to solidify SMBC’s management system to ensure its operational and financial sustainability.
On June 28, 2024, the project organized an Investor Relations training for the SMBC which sought to connect the association with industry professionals and relevant government agencies. The training succeeded in imparting practical knowledge on how the association can align internal organizational policies and processes with external processes, particularly on seeking finances and investments.
As a follow-up to the Investor Relations training, the project arranged a two (2) day meeting and coaching session for the SMBC board of directors. The event provided the SMBC with the space to discuss their management system and goals for the formation of their social enterprise for the MFPS. The SMBC board of directors were also provided with counsel on how to finalize their business plan so that they may replicate the process in the future. The meetings resulted in long and fruitful discussions about SMBC’s internal policies, the roles and responsibilities of the management team of their social enterprise for the MFPS, and other significant developments to kickstart their business.
Community-Led Processes are Key to the Sustainability of Project Initiatives
Community development programs cannot always adopt a “one size fits all” approach. Each community has its unique economic, political, and social context which require extensive work and collaboration with its members to ensure that the implementation of projects and initiatives are more effective. This is why the planetGOLD Philippines project has taken extra care to understand specific community contexts and needs. Its flexibility in crafting creative solutions to formalization and financing issues have prioritized the development and growth of its partner mining associations.
The Artisanal Gold Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the socio-economic conditions of artisanal and small-scale gold mining communities. Through capacity building, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, the AGC promotes responsible mining practices that benefit both people and the planet. AGC is the executing agency of the GEF-funded and UN-implemented planetGOLD Philippines Project.
The planetGOLD Philippines is a five-year project funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Office and the United Nations Environment Program. In the Philippines, the Project is executed by the Artisanal Gold Council (a non-governmental organization) in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. The Project is designed to address key issues linked to the continued mercury use in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector and to provide sustainable development opportunities for the communities involved.
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