On Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Mining Philippines – International Mining Conference and Exhibition 2026, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s commitment to shaping a more competitive, responsible, and sustainable mineral sector.
He delivered President Ferdinand Marcos’ keynote speech and message during the opening session of Mining Philippines 2026. Stakeholders were called to work together and develop the country’s rich minerals and natural wealth for the benefit of the next generations.
“Together, let us help turn our natural wealth into lasting progress and our shared aspirations into opportunities that future generations can build upon,” he said.
‘Filipinos at the heart of every decision’
In his message read by Cuna, President Marcos Jr. emphasized the administration’s vision of a more industrialized Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines), beginning with how the country develops its natural resources: responsibly, strategically, and with the Filipino people at the heart of every decision.
President Marcos Jr. said in his speech that with the country’s abundant deposits of nickel, copper, and other critical minerals that are increasingly becoming more and more important to the global economy, there’s a clear opportunity to become a more active participant in the industries and value chains that these resources make possible. These end products include electric vehicles, batteries, semiconductors, electronics, and renewable energy technologies. Mining Philippines 2026 is an important venue to highlight these opportunities.
“By bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and investors, this conference provides a venue for exchanging ideas, forging partnerships, and identifying practical ways to strengthen our minerals sectors,” he said.
Moreover, President Marcos Jr. said the event is an opportunity to deepen partnerships with the international community.
“Our engagements with the United States, Canada, Australia, and Sweden reflect the growing importance of our country in building secure and reliable mineral supply chains,” he said, citing the theme of the “From Global Trend to National Strategy: Developing the Philippines’ Critical Minerals Playbook” conference theme.
Collaboration with the Chamber
President Marcos said the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP), which organized the event, plays an important role in shaping the country’s mining policy landscape, including efforts that paved the way to the passage of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
On the other hand, through its participation in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), it supported greater transparency in the management of revenue from the extractive industries.
He further noted that through Executive Order No. 122, his administration is developing the downstream minerals industry to boost domestic industries and generate opportunities for Filipinos.
In collaboration with the DENR, President Marcos Jr. said the administration is identifying areas suitable for responsible mineral development, while supporting and safeguarding communities.
“Equally important, we are working to establish a fiscal and regulatory environment that is fair, predictable, and conducive to responsible investment,” he mentioned.
With the enhanced fiscal regime under DENR Administrative Order No. 2025-17, a clear framework is now in place for investors, while ensuring a fair share of the wealth generated from natural resources. The procedures for processing mining applications are streamlined, giving investors greater certainty while enabling the sector to contribute more effectively to economic development.
The President also called for stakeholders, particularly in the mining industry, to work together to respect laws, value the people, and recognize environmental stewardship as integral to long-term economic services.
“Our mineral resources are finite. The progress they help create must endure,” he noted, calling for the responsible development of mineral resources and to help build a Bagong Pilipinas where natural wealth drives inclusive growth and strengthens our industries, protects our communities and environment, and benefits Filipinos today and the generation to come.
On a closing statement, Cuna said, “As DENR Secretary, let me reaffirm our commitment in shaping a more competitive, responsible, and more sustainable minerals sector. Together, let us turn our natural wealth into lasting progress and our shared aspirations into opportunities that future generations can build upon. Once again, thank you.”
