MGB seeks 24% hike in 2014 budget, cites 'priority programs'

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) on Monday said it needs a budget of P1.24 billion next year, up 24 percent from P888 million this year, to implement its priority programs, the bureau said Monday.

 

The bureau wants P438.38 million for personnel services, P635.87 million for maintenance and other operating expenses, and P171.12 million for capital outlay.

 

It cited the necessity of have higher appropriations to allocate for the Geohazard Assessment and Mapping Program for disaster risk and reduction and preparedness, groundwater resource assessment, promoting responsible mining, and measures increasing government's share in mineral exploitation.

 

Under a new mining policy issued in July 2012, the bureau is seeking to maximize gains from the exploitation of mineral resources by having a greater share in revenues of mining companies.

 

Also related to the mining policy, the MGB is tagging no-go zones nationwide—protected areas, prime agriculture lands and tourism sites—where mining activities are prohibited or restricted. — VS, GMA News