Forum-Validation on Results of the Scoping Study on Extractive Industries in the Provinces of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands

The main goal of the activity was to present to the concerned the salient findings of the scoping study for their comments and suggestions, as well as come up with a plan of actions relevant to the salient findings of the study. The scoping study unveiled important and sometimes critical information, which needed to be validated by the subject mining companies, local government units, national government agencies, civil society organizations, and community representatives. The validation process aimed to come up with a plan of actions to address pressing issues unveiled by the scoping study. A total of 54 participants attended the 2-day forum-validation, with 31 males and 24 females. The participants included senior managers of concerned mining companies, LGU representatives, CSO representatives, community representatives, NGA officials, PhilGrassroots staff, USAID representative, and Bantay Kita representative. The proceedings of the forum-validation included registration and billeting, opening ceremonies, expectation check, house rules, objectives of the forum-validation, opening message, discussion proper, and workshops. The discussion proper focused on the salient findings of the scoping study, and the workshops allowed stakeholders to air their sides on the salient findings and explore areas of possible convergence. The salient findings of the scoping study were presented to the participants, and they were given the opportunity to provide comments and suggestions. The participants also discussed and critiqued the preliminary results of the scoping study, explored areas of possible convergence, and agreed on a plan of action relevant to the salient findings. The plan of action aimed to address pressing issues unveiled by the scoping study, including the need for convergence strategies among stakeholders. The plan of action was expected to be implemented by the concerned stakeholders, including the mining companies, local government units, national government agencies, civil society organizations, and community representatives. The forum-validation was facilitated by a team of experts, including Ms. Paula S. Dumaguing, Project Officer, Foundation for the Development of Agusanons, Inc. (FDAI), who acted as EMCEE/facilitator. The facilitators ensured that the proceedings were well-organized, and the participants were engaged throughout the activity. The forum-validation was a significant step in the validation process of the scoping study, and it provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss and critique the preliminary results of the study. The plan of action developed during the forum-validation was expected to be implemented by the concerned stakeholders, and it aimed to address pressing issues unveiled by the scoping study.