The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), through its Gender and Development Focal Points System, recognizes and supports the Planetgold Philippines Project, which has made significant strides towards gender equality in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector, particularly through its recent initiatives. The project published a comprehensive gender study aimed at increasing women's visibility, access to resources, and support within the ASGM sector. Additionally, it is producing a children's storybook to raise awareness about the realities faced by women miners in communities like Sagada and Paracale. These efforts are the result of close collaboration with local women miners, who have actively contributed to shaping these publications.
In celebration of these achievements, Planetgold Philippines co-hosted a panel discussion and media forum entitled "Mina Minera: Celebrating Women in ASGM and the Informal Economy" at Novotel Manila Araneta Hotel, Quezon City last March 7, 2025. This event aligned with International Women’s Month activities organized by the United Nations (UN), focusing on "Women and the Economy," one of the key priorities outlined in the Beijing Platform for Action. The forum featured prominent voices from various sectors including government agencies such as the Philippine Commission on Women and academic institutions like UP Center for Women and Gender Studies.
The objectives of this event were multifaceted: to amplify women's voices in the ASGM sector from Sagada and Paracale; to raise awareness about their challenges in both ASGM and informal economies; and to officially launch Planetgold's gender study alongside its children’s storybook. Attendees included women miners along with representatives from relevant government offices and media personnel.
The event commenced with an inspiring message of support from Diory Carr, the Focal Person for Gender and Development at the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB). This was followed by Elizabeth Ngo, Project Officer at the Artisanal Gold Council (AGC), who introduced the forum's objectives, setting a collaborative tone for discussions centered around artisanal mining practices. Meanwhile, Abigail Ocate, the National Project Manager of AGC, provided a comprehensive overview of ongoing projects aimed at promoting sustainable mining practices that benefit local communities and enhance gender equity in the sector.
Next, Meggy Katigbak, AGC's National Gender and Investment Specialist, delivered a presentation on the Gender Study conducted in the Philippines. This was succeeded by a panel discussion featuring distinguished representatives such as Mines and Geosciences Bureau Cordillera Administrative Region Gender and Development Focal Person Sheila May V. Sanqui, PhD, Hon. Bernadette Asutilla from Paracale's municipal government and Dr. Sarah Marie Pante-Aviado from the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte among others. Their insights emphasized the importance of inclusive policies that empower women miners within their communities.
The event culminated in the launch of a children's book entitled "Mina Minera," which included an interactive storytelling session led by professional storytellers. The distribution of storybooks was accompanied by recitations from women miners performing spoken word poetry about their experiences and challenges in mining. This creative endeavor not only highlighted women's roles in artisanal mining but also fostered community engagement through art and literature
In conclusion, initiatives like those undertaken by Planetgold Philippines exemplify critical progress toward gender equality within traditionally male-dominated industries. By fostering dialogue among stakeholders while highlighting women's experiences through targeted publications and events like "Mina Minera," there is potential not only for increased recognition but also for systemic change that advances women's rights within both local communities and national frameworks.
Mina Minera is part of the three parallel sessions of the Unite for All Women event by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in partnership with the Artisanal Gold Council, Ban Toxics, and Clean Air Asia, to highlight women’s pivotal contributions to environmental sustainability and economic development.
These projects funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) showcase women's leadership in diverse industry sectors including the artisanal small-scale gold mining, healthcare and mercury waste management, and transport and electric mobility systems. Central to the event are the crucial contributions of women in promoting inclusive practices and developing solutions that positively impact both the economy and the environment.
Drawing from diverse industries, UNIDO’s event served as a platform to celebrate women’s contributions and achievements, share experiences, and identify actionable solutions to systemic challenges, all of which are essential for promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and directly support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
