OF UCAB, ITOGON, BENGUET • Gold is the number one mineral produced by the Philippines in value terms. Although total local production was low relative to world production, it ranked 2nd to Africa in gold production per unit land area in 1988 and ranked 29th as top gold producer in 2002(Israel and Asirot 2002). In the year 2002–2007, the Philippines’ gold production increased by 8.2%. This contributed an average of 2% gross domestic product (GDP) in the same period. The country was ranked 18th in the GFMs Gold Survey list of top 20 Gold Producing countries in 2007 (Teves 2008). • Small-scale mining (SSM) refers to mining individuals, groups, families or cooperatives with minimal or no mechanization, often in the informal (illegal) sector of the market. • Itogon identifies itself as the “Land of Golden Opportunities.” The Municipality is one of the home-origins of traditional SSM activities and host to eight large-scale mining companies which made the Philippines ones of the significant gold producing countries in the whole world. Statement of the Problem This study aimed to asses or determines the impact of small-scale mining to the residents of Ucab, Itogon, Benguet. Specifically, it will answer the following problems: 1. What are the problems encountered by small-scale miners of Ucab, Itogon, Benguet specifically on: a. Economics b. Health
2. What are the programs implemented by the barangay to
mitigate the problems encountered small-scale miners, specifically in: a. Economics b. Health Methodology • The study used a Qualitative Approach particularly the cased study design because it aims to assess the impact of small-scale mining to the residents of Ucab, Itogon, Benguet. • Case Study is an in depth study particular situation rather that sweeping statistical survey. It can focus on specific and interesting cases (Shutteworth, 2008). Case studies are used to help the researchers see the complexities of real life decisions. (UNSW, 2013) • The study will use an interview guide and observation notebook to gather the needed information for the study. Unstructured interviewed was conducted with some selected residents to validate the gathering results. Observation was used to supply additional data for the study. Results and Discussions Problems encountered by small-scale miners of Ucab, Itogon, Benguet • Economics This discusses the problems encountered by small-scale miners in terms of their economic where in 90% of the population said that they don’t have any problems when it comes to their financial since being a small-scale miner is a very big help to them. It helps them in way that they were able to earn much money averaging from 20-40 thousand pesos a month. With this money they can get and buy everything they need and want. Also they were able to send their children in schools and pay all the expenses needed for their children’s education. • 10% of the population said that they were having difficulties on how would they manage to save their money because they cannot avoid buying all their wants if they have much money. Also they tend to spend much money on things that is not very useful to them such us alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, and other things. • Health This discusses the problems encountered by small- scale miners in Ucab, Itogon, Benguet regarding their health. Where in 80% of the population said that small- scale mining affected their health because of the physical activities that they do. It made them healthier in a way that their strength, endurance, and flexibility improved. 20% of the population said that small-scale mining affected their health but not directly. On the other hand, 20% of the population also said that small scale mining did not affect their health internally since they are practicing the traditional way of extracting minerals thus it did not affect them directly, however 60%of the population said that small-scale mining affected their health because of the chemicals they used in order to extract gold easily. Also due to the nature of their work, they cannot avoid accidents inside the portal, thus they encounter cuts and injuries inflicted on their bodies. Programs Implemented by the Barangay to Mitigate Problems Encountered by Small-Scale Miners Economics 100% of the population said that there were no seminars conducted regarding small-scale mining. In addition, twenty percent of the population mentioned that there were some attempts of the government to conduct a seminar but it was only disseminated to the people near the road where only few of them are small-scale miners. 20% of the population also mentioned an association called the Ucab Itogon miners association wherein they can be a member, this association will work hand in hand with the barangay in order for the small-scale miners will be mentioned on their economic activities. So that if there are any problems the barangay and the association would help them. This could be effective in mitigating their problems that rose on the small-scale miners related on their economic. Health 100% of the population said that there were no programs conducted by the barangay related to their health. Since it already known to everybody that small- scale miners can take care of their expense for the medication. And it was it was mentioned that they that they earn a lot of money with this kind of livelihood.
Respondent 2 also mentioned that there were no
programs conducted directly for their health but the barangay keeps on warning them the bad effects of using chemicals on their health. Also the barangay reminds them the safety precautions while they are inside the portal. Conclusions • From the analyzed data, the following conclusions were drawn. 1. The problems encountered by small-scale miners in terms of their economic doesn’t affect them much since it was known to everybody that small-scale miners are one time millionaire. Money is not a problem for them as long as they work hard inside the runnel, risk their life even if it is dangerous and doesn’t even know if there a natural disaster that might come while they are inside the portal. Also millions of people in the developing world depend on small- scale gold mining for their livelihoods. This wealth can come at a price. However, saving their money is problem for small-scale miners. 2. Small-scale mining is a critical poverty reduction strategy for millions of people around the world; however, it is notoriously dangerous. Small-scale mining activities, with the gold mining activities, health and safety risks among miners, their families, and their communities have not been fully addressed in the scholarly literature or by regulatory institutions in countries where mining is prevalent. Because of the nature of their work small-scale miners cannot avoid accidents that may affect their health. They experienced back pain and other physical injuries due to their exposure to occupation and environmental hazards at work. Due to their lack of knowledge on the safety procedures they encounter things that might affect their health. Also they do not also wear protective gears while entering the portal thus it cause them injuries. 3. There were no seminars or programs conducted by the barangay thus small-scale miners are not knowledgeable on what are the certain things they must do regarding their economics or money. Since they are earning big money from it they do not encounter much problem regarding their economic. However, it is still important for the small-scale miners to be literate enough on how do small-scale mining affects our economy. And not only how money runs in their lives. 4. Due to the common misconception of the people that small-scale miners are rich they are able to sustain or pay the expenses they need for their health. However there were still many small-scale miners who experienced injuries, accidents and health risk because of their work. Since the government did not conduct any programs or seminars regarding the safety procedures they must do before entering the tunnel to avoid any accidents or hazards. Also there were no seminars or programs conducted by the barangays to inform the small-scale miners regarding the protective gears they must use in order for them to be injured while they are inside the tunnel. Recommendations Based on the conclusion presented, the following recommendations are suggested: 1. The barangay officials must conduct seminars regarding the economics of the small-scale miners. Even though they don’t encounter many problems it is still important for them too knowledgeable on the things that involve their money. 2. The residents must join into seminars that would benefit them most importantly on their health. They should also visit the hospital even once a month in order for them to monitor their health, because even though they are physically fit but inside their might be pathological physiology that is happening on their body. Workers should also use protective gears in order to ensure their safety inside the portal. In addition they must engage their selves on training by means of short courses and practical sessions that would help them improve mining standards, conditions, and productivity. 3. The government should conduct seminars and programs to mitigate the problems of the small-scale miners regarding their economics. The barangay officials should also go to house to house in order for them to monitor the activities done by the small-scale miners and to be aware of things just like their financial. They should also work for the papers for them to be granted with Minahang Bayan since small- scale mining is the number 1 lucrative livelihood of the residents of Ucab, Itogon, Benguet. 4. The barangay officials should produce fliers on what are the protective gears that must be worn by a small-scale miner and make sure to disseminate it them directly in order for them to explain the importance of this things. 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