The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 10 (Northern Mindanao) has renewed the mandate of Task Force "Kinaiyahan," strengthening efforts to protect Cagayan de Oro's rivers through a new memorandum of agreement signed by public and private stakeholders. During the task force's third-quarter meeting, MGB-10 Director Rodante Felina highlighted the role of local governments since the original agreement was signed in 2013. "The commitment of local governments has been a core component in realizing this environmental vision," Felina said. The task force will now expand its coverage to include both the Iponan and Cagayan de Oro Rivers and nearby areas, focusing on addressing illegal mining activities that threaten local biodiversity. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Assistant Director for Technical Services Ronald Gadot underscored the need for enhanced monitoring of the Iponan River, which has faced environmental degradation due to unauthorized mining operations. 'The biodiversity of the a rea has been disturbed, and the small livelihoods depending on the river have been endangered,' Gadot said. In May 2023, five Chinese nationals and 13 Filipinos were charged with illegal mining activities in the Iponan River, further illustrating the need for stricter enforcement under the renewed task force mandate. The revised agreement is expected to bolster sustainable environmental practices and protect these key waterways. Source: Philippines News Agency