Behind the photo:
The SteelAsia team with the Mongolian delegation and the PH-EITI Secretariat in Calaca Works, Batangas
The Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PH-EITI) Secretariat collaborated with its Mongolian counterpart for a peer learning session at the Department of Finance (DOF) on December 5, 2023. This gathering aimed to exchange insights and uphold the EITI Standard.
From L-R: MMHI Officer Budsuren, EITI-M Subcouncil Officer Bazarsad, MMHI Officer Demberelgaldan, MMHI Department Chief Batjargal, OIC-USec. Adriano, PH-EITI OIC-National Coordinator Dizon-Rodolfo, and MMHI Division Head Sukhbaatar
During the session, both national secretariats exchanged experiences and strategies in implementing the EITI in their respective countries. The PH-EITI Secretariat found Mongolia’s approach to implementing the EITI Standard across its 21 provinces particularly enlightening. “EITI Mongolia (EITI-M) Secretariat’s ideas are substantial and will significantly inform our approach towards subnational EITI implementation across the Philippines,” said OIC-National Coordinator Mary Ann Dizon-Rodolfo of the PH-EITI Secretariat.
Additionally, the Mongolian delegation, including key figures from the Mongolian Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry (MMHI), held discussions with PH-EITI Chair Finance Undersecretary Bayani H. Agabin and Alternate Chair Finance OIC-Undersecretary Karlo Fermin S. Adriano. Topics included the Philippine government’s mining policies, mining fiscal regime, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), the Philippine Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), and environmental regulations.
From L-R: EITI-M Subcouncil Officer Bazarsad, PH-EITI OIC-National Coordinator Dizon-Rodolfo, MMHI Division Head Sukhbaatar, DOF USec. Agabin, MMHI Department Chief Batjargal, MMHI Officer Demberelgaldan, and MMHI Officer Budsuren
Undersecretary Agabin, serving as the alternate Board member for Southeast and Central Asia EITI implementing countries, encouraged EITI-M to share their implementation challenges with him to relay these concerns to the EITI Board effectively.
Representing EITI-M was Subcouncil Officer Khosbayar Bazarsad, joined by MMHI officials Delgerjargal Batjargal, Sukhbat Sukhbaatar, Batnairamdal Demberelgaldan, and Batjargal Budsuren. The PH-EITI Secretariat was represented by OIC-National Coordinator Mary Ann Dizon-Rodolfo and Deputy National Coordinator Mary Nicole Hilario.
Site Visit to SteelAsia
The Mongolian delegation, showing interest in establishing processing plants, visited SteelAsia’s scrap metal recycling facility in Calaca, Batangas, on December 7, 2023. The visit, intended to observe best practices in the Philippines, was facilitated by PH-EITI consultant Mikaela Olaguera and Policy Officer Mark Famatigan. They were welcomed by SteelAsia’s Chief Technical Officer Pek Hoong Chong and Senior Business Development Officer Jose Miguel Jayme.
The Mongolian delegation meeting with USec. Agabin and the PH-EITI Secretariat
Chong highlighted SteelAsia’s role as the Philippines’ largest steel manufacturer, with an annual production capacity of 3 million tons across its plants. “In four years, we anticipate the Philippines becoming nearly 70 percent self-sufficient in steel, reducing imports and creating jobs,” Chong stated.
The delegation toured the facility to observe the production of “green” steel rebar, a process involving melting, purifying, and molding scrap metal. SteelAsia’s commitment to sustainability is evident as it stands as one of the world’s lowest carbon-emitting steel producers.
The SteelAsia team warmly welcomes the Mongolian delegation and the PH-EITI Secretariat to Calaca Works, Batangas
Dizon-Rodolfo emphasized the importance of such exchanges. “Sharing best practices is crucial in tackling climate change while developing local industries that support communities and invest in human capital,” she said.
This visit signifies a growing collaboration between Mongolia and the Philippines in fostering local industry development.
More photos from the visit
Mr. Chong leads the Mongolian delegation to a segment of the facility where billets are reheated and molded into green steel rebar
The Mongolian delegation asks questions regarding the scrap metal recycling process, nearing the end of the tour of the facility
From L-R: PH-EITI Consultant Olaguera, SteelAsia CTO Chong, MMHI Officer Demberelgaldan, MMHI Division Head Sukhbaatar, MMHI Department Chief Batjargal, MMHI Officer Budsuren, EITI-M Subcouncil Officer Bazarsad, and PH-EITI Policy Officer Famatigan
Mr. Pek Hoong Chong explains how the metal is purified after the scrap is melted
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A government-led, multi-stakeholder initiative implementing EITI, the global standard that promotes the open, accountable management, and good governance of oil, gas, and mineral resources. PH-EITI was created on 26 November 2013 through EO No. 147, s. of 2013. It is a government commitment first announced through EO No. 79, s. of 2012.