THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is aligning its policies with the Marcos administration’s call for a modern fiscal and investment framework that attracts responsible capital while ensuring environmental protection and social equity, Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.
Lotilla, who introduced President Marcos during the opening of Mining Philippines 2025 Conference and Exhibition at the Grand Hyatt Manila, said Marcos’ leadership and clear direction in advancing the responsible development of the country’s mineral resources is an effort that links economic transformation, energy security, sustainability, and climate resilience under the Bagong Pilipinas vision.
The signing into law of the enhanced fiscal regime for large-scale metallic mining has also answered decades-old calls for a fair, transparent, and efficient system, streamlining the disbursement of local government unit (LGU) shares from national wealth while strengthening accountability and revenue use, he said.
The DENR chief said a climate and ecosystem-based lens in evaluating mining projects has been adopted by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
‘We are recognizing that every intervention on the landscape affects water, biodiversity, and communities. This approach is strengthened by the development of the national natural geospatial database, which feeds into our Natural Capital Accounting System that was recently prescribed by Congress, and the establishment of the Water Resources Management Office within the DENR, ensuring that mining operations are aligned with the watershed protection and long-term climate adaptation goals,’ he said.
Meanwhile, he said the DENR is also streamlining permitting processes and modernizing the mineral resource data system, launching a government-led mineral mapping and inventory beginning in 2026, aligning the social development and management plan of mining companies with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG), strengthening indigenous people’s participation in equitable benefit-sharing, and expanding the use of space-based monitoring to enhance mining and environmental compliance and transparency.
‘At the same time, the [Mines and] Geosciences Bureau Geohazard Mapping continues to provide timely guidance to both national and local government units and communities in safeguarding lives and property from climate and disaster-related risks,’ he added.
These reforms, he said, signal a new phase for Philippine mining where minerals are no longer viewed merely as commodities to extract, but as strategic assets for a clean energy future and inclusive progress.
‘As the world accelerates towards decarbonization, the demand for critical minerals will shape the next global economy. The Philippines must be ready not just to supply but to lead with responsibility and science-based governance,’ he said.
Lotilla said that under Marcos’ leadership, the country is now building the foundation of the future where the stewardship of natural wealth becomes a defining pillar of national strength and unity.
Finally, addressing conference participants, he urged the industry to join the government to reaffirm a shared commitment that mining in the Philippines will be responsible, resilient, and responsive to both people and planet.