AN official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said on Sunday that President Marcos’ Executive Order 122, which establishes a Unified National Policy Framework for Developing the Critical Minerals Industry, has significantly positioned the country in the global critical minerals and global green technology value chain market.
‘Worldwide, nations are competing to secure resilient supply chains for essential raw materials like nickel, copper, and processing inputs for renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicle batteries, and defense applications,’ Director Larry M. Heradez of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), said.
Signed on August 21, the order also reorganized the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) to drive strategic growth in the sector, a policy fully supported by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP).
‘The country has identified at least nine million hectares of highly prospective areas with potential to host various mineral resources that could position the Philippines as an important player in the critical minerals value chain. EO 122 shifts the national strategy toward maximizing the domestic value of these resources, moving beyond raw ore exportation to building integrated processing and manufacturing ecosystems,’ the MGB chief said.
Section 2b of EO 122 anchors the country’s economic development in the responsible utilization of critical minerals. Under Section 2b, the State promotes the responsible development and utilization of critical minerals and commits to supporting value-adding and downstream industries.Because these mineral assets are vital for national security and economic resilience, the framework ensures that local resources are essential inputs for the global energy transition and for industrial activities, including clean energy technologies, digital infrastructure, and major public projects.
To support this vision, the Department of Trade and Industry’s Board of Investments will offer incentives under the CREATE Act for downstream refining, battery production, and side-stream industries, while providing for domestic processing plants priority access to mineral ores at fair market prices.
Equally fundamental to the framework is Section 2c, which establishes strict safeguards for environmental protection and for social and cultural development. Section 2c mandates that the government enforces sustainable mining practices to strengthen the industry’s capacity to manage environmental impacts effectively.
In addition, it requires that all mining operations prioritize the social, cultural, and economic well-being of host and neighboring communities, ensuring that community development efforts directly align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Executive Order 122 enacts sweeping structural reforms to revitalize the mining landscape. The government will strictly enforce a ‘Use It or Lose It’ policy, subjecting non-compliant or dormant mining tenements to immediate cancellation and reallocating freed-up mineral areas into declared reservations. To eliminate bureaucratic delays and create an internationally competitive investment climate, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau will implement streamlined permit processing within six months and deploy a fully digital Virtual One-stop Shop platform within one year.
The executive order also reorganizes the MICC, co-chaired by the Secretaries of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Finance, and expanded to include strategic cabinet members, local authorities, and indigenous representation. Within 90 days, the reorganized council will submit a comprehensive industry work plan to the Office of the President, establishing international sourcing standards, environmental safeguards, and valuation frameworks to ensure that the exploration of the nation’s mineral wealth yields lasting national progress.
COMP backs EO 122
IN a statement, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines – representing the country’s premier and longest-operating large-scale metallic mining and exploration companies and allied industries-said it fully supports Executive Order 122.
‘We strongly endorse the Order’s emphasis on policy stability, regulatory consistency, and transparency. Securing long-term capital for exploration, mine development, and mineral processing requires a predictable environment that builds investor confidence,’ COMP said.
In a statement, it said: ‘EO 122 looks beyond extraction. By encouraging value-added processing, refining, and downstream manufacturing, it lays the foundation for the Philippines to capture greater value from its mineral wealth, driving new investment, generating quality jobs, and bolstering local supply chains.’
The group said that economic growth must align with sound environmental stewardship and social responsibility. EO 122 rightly prioritizes the rights, welfare, and culture of host communities and Indigenous Peoples. The industry’s expansion will remain anchored in high environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, rigorous environmental management, and meaningful community partnership.
‘Furthermore, we applaud the focus on inter-agency coordination and process digitalization. Streamlining regulatory requirements eliminates unnecessary delays while preserving vital safeguards, positioning the Philippines as a globally competitive investment hub without compromising environmental or social standards,’ COMP added.
EO 122 recognizes that critical minerals are essential to national industrialization, energy security, economic resilience, and the global green transition. Unlocking this potential requires active, sustained collaboration among government, industry, host communities, and broader society.
‘The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines stands ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to implement EO 122. Together, we can build a competitive, responsible, and sustainable critical minerals sector, one that creates lasting value, protects local ecosystems, and drives inclusive national development.’