WHEREAS, it is the policy of the State to promote the efficient management of the environment and ecology in the exploration, development and utilization of the country ™s mineral resources to ensure sustainable development;

WHEREAS, the participation of the mining groups and companies are critical to enhance and sustain the government ™s efforts to foster efficient environmental management in the mining sector;

WHEREAS, in recognition of the private sector ™s initiatives and exemplary achievements in the protection of the environment and ecology in the mining sector, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has recommended the granting of Presidential Award for such undertakings to further promote private sector participation and enhance public awareness on the protection of the environment and ecology;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

Section 1. Establishment of the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award. There is hereby established the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award to recognize the exemplary efforts of the mining groups and companies in the country in achieving environmentally and socially responsible mining operations.

Section 2. Categories of the Award. The Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award shall be conferred every year on deserving groups and/or companies engaged in mining activities in the country under the following categories: mineral exploration; quarry operation; surface mining operation; underground mining operation; mineral processing; and research and development.

Section 3. Eligible Participants. All mining companies whether involved in exploration or active surface or underground mining and quarry operations in the country for at least a year at the time of the selection, may qualify for the Award.

Section 4. Form of Award. The Award shall be in the form of a Presidential Plaque of Commendation containing the citation and signature of the President.

Section 5. Design Specifications. The National Historical Institute of the Presidential Commission on Culture and the Arts shall prescribe the design specifications of the plaque.

Section 6. Selection Criteria. The criteria and selection mechanics for the Award shall be formulated by the Selection Committee which is also herein created. Such guidelines shall be in effect after due publication in newspapers of national circulation.

Section 7. Selection Committee. The Selection Committee is hereby created to administer the annual search and selection of the qualified recipients of the Award, subject to the final approval of the President. The Committee shall be co-chaired by the Secretary of the Environment and Natural Resources and the President, Philippine Chamber of Mines, with the Secretaries of Trade and Industry; Science and Technology; Interiors and Local Government; and of Health; and the Heads of the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association, and of the Organization of Foreign Exploration and Mining Companies in the Philippines, as members. The Committee shall also formulate the necessary Implementing Rules and Regulations for the efficient implementation of the provisions of this Order.

Section 8. Secretariat. A permanent Secretariat shall be established by the DENR Secretary and shall be based at the Department, to provide technical and administrative support to the activities of the Selection Committee. The Secretariat shall be headed by the Director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau with representatives from the Environmental Management Bureau and Forest Management Bureau as members.

Section 9. Effectivity. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 3rd day of February in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Seven.

(Sgd.) FIDEL V. RAMOS
President of the Philippines

By the President:

(Sgd.) RUBEN D. TORRES
Executive Secretary