The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a global standard of transparency that aims to encourage countries to be more transparent in reporting the benefits they receive from their country’s natural resources. Following its implementation in the country in 2012, it has been widely seen as an effective platform for sustained dialogue and tripartite collaboration among government, civil society and the extractive industry. Part of this initiative is a series of annual LGU roadshows, offering venue for local stakeholders to discuss the results of the Philippine EITI (PH-EITI) reports, formulate policy proposals based on its findings and keep track of government’s progress in implementing reforms. The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), as a member of both PH-EITI Multi-stakeholder and Technical Working Groups, facilitated the multi-stakeholder panel sessions of its 2016 series, The roadshows ran from August to September to cover all regional EI hosts in the country.
This series of 2-day forum showcased the 2nd PH-EITI Country Report and facilitated dialogues among stakeholders on extractive industries (EI). As an integral part of the forum, the panel discussion likewise surfaced issues and concerns on EI in terms of revenues, environmental impact, corporate responsbilities, among others. The sessions were moderated by ULAP Director of Plans, Programs and Policy, Mr. Genixon David and participated by representatives from national and local governments, civil society, indigenous people communities, and private sector.
The roadshows also facilitated presentations and discussions focused on: (1) Share from National Wealth of the LGUs; (2) Social Development and Management Program and Local Development Plan; (3) Environmental Governance and Monitoring Process and Multipartite Monitoring Teams and LGUs; (4) Royalties of the Indigenous Peoples; and (5) Environment and Natural Resources Data Management Tool (ENRDMT). These were followed by breakout workshops that fowarded the agenda, “Governance in the Extractive Industries, and Collection and Management of Revenues from the Extractives in the Local Level”. Day 2 of the forum was primarily devoted for a workshop on ENRDMT for all the participating local government treasurers and accountants.
The first leg of the Roadshow was conducted last August 10, 2016 at Apo View Hotel, Davao City while the suceeding legs were held on August 24-25, 2016 at Quest Hotel, Cebu City; August 30-31, 2016 at City Lights Hotel, Baguio City; and September 14-15, 2016 at A&A Plaza Hotel, Puerto Princesa City, respectively. These were participated by officials from LGUs hosting EI companies and operations in the localities as well as civil society and indigenous peoples groups. Ultimately, the Roadshows left a positive mark committing that the PH-EITI efforts will continue to further promote the improvement of the extractive industries situation in our country.
