MANILA, Nov. 21 -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Raphael Lotilla underscored the importance of responsible mining in driving sustainable economic growth and community development.

During the Pilipinas Conference organized by StratBase ADR Institute in Makati on Friday, Lotilla said the DENR, through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, is implementing reforms to a more integrated, future-focused governance approach in the mining industry.

"We are advancing a whole-of-government policy shift to elevate the mining sector's contribution to national development. At present, mining contributes roughly 1 percent to the national gross domestic product," he said.

"Through targeted policy interventions, we aim to...