05 September 2024, Cotabato City. The Philippine Statistics Authority- BARMM led by Engr. Akan G. Tula, OIC- Regional Director successfully conducted the Field Validation and Technical Session on Mineral Asset Accounts in BARMM from September 3-5, 2024.

The technical session was held at Hall 4, Mall of Al-Nor, Cotabato City, on September 3, 2024, and was attended by representatives from the PSA Central Office, Environment and Natural Resources Accounts Division (ENRAD), including Mr. Polaris C. Bautista, Senior Statistical Specialist, and Ms. Fatima C. Catchero, Statistical Specialist II.

Also in attendance were Mr. Edward Donald F. Eloja, Chief SOCD, Ms. Melanie S. Mohammad, Statistical Specialist II, PSA staff and partner agencies from various ministries, including the Office of the Chief Minister’s Technical Management Services (OCM-TMS), Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA), Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE), Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT), Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), and representative from CotabatoState University (CSU).

On September 4, 2024, the team conducted a site visit to the Darapanan Sand and Gravel establishment in Brgy. Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. This visit allowed the team to observe and assess the operational processes of the quarry, providing valuable insights into the region's mineral resource management. The site visit was conducted in collaboration with representatives from the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism BARMM, who provided additional context and support.

The team also paid a courtesy visit to the MENRE-Mines and Geoscience Services (MGS), meeting with Director II, Mr. Raphael L. Remo, JD, to discuss and gather relevant data and information necessary for compiling BARMM’s environmental accounts.

This activity is part of PSA's broader initiative to release comprehensive environmental accounts, which are integral to developing sustainable and ecologically friendly development plans.
Approved for Release:

ENGR. AKAN G TULA
OIC-Regional Director
EDEF/MSM/SRP