The Ag-agit Small-Scale Miners and Mining Cooperative Inc. in Mapisla, Licuan-Baay is the first Minahang Bayan in Abra during the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) led by Gov. Ma. Jocelyn Bernos meeting with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) – Cordillera and the Department of Environment and Natural Resource Thursday at the Provincial Capitol.

MGB – CAR director Fay Apil reiterated earlier to complete the group’s requirement that led to the signing for the declaration of the Minahang Bayan by DENR Undersecretary Rodolfo Garcia during said PMRB meeting.

The DENR said that there are still application for Minahang Bayans in said town and in the municipalities of Boliney and Manabo.

In helping process the application of Minahang Bayans, Bernois aims to regulate small-scale mining that not only help improve the lives of the miners but also to help preserve the environment.

Through a Minahang Bayan, Bernos added, miners need not use explosives and heavy equipment to mine that will lead to the destruction of the environment.

The operation of the Minahang Bayan is regulated through Republic Act 7076 or the People’s Small Scale Mining Act of 1991.

It will be recalled that in September 25, 2018 Bernos ordered mining to stop in Anra through Executive Order 11 in an effort to stop the destruction of the province’s environment and encouraged miners to unite and apply for their permit to operate, particularly seek the declaration of a Minahang Bayan within their locality.