12 August 2005 – Ambassador Cristina G. Ortega of the Philippine Embassy in Canberra, Australia, reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that a top-level Philippine delegation led by Presidential Adviser for Minerals Development and former Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert conducted a successful Mining Roadshow in Brisbane, Queensland state, on 9 August 2005.

Ambassador Ortega reported that Ambassador Albert headed the top-level Philippine Mining Roadshow that visited Brisbane on 9 August 2005 for a series of activities organized by the Queensland Government and assisted by the Australian-Filipino Chamber of Commerce (Queensland) Inc (AFCCQ), The Brisbane visit provided an opportunity for Philippine mining officials and business leaders to interact with their Queensland counterparts, and to promote and strengthen bilateral relations.

Ambassador Ortega said that the highlight of the Brisbane visit was the Philippine Mining Forum moderated by Queensland’s Special Representative to Southeast Asia Ms. Sallyanne Atkinson AO, and conducted at the Queensland Room of the Executive Building.  The well-attended forum featured briefings by Philippine mining and business luminaries which included Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Deinrado Simon Dimalibot, DENR Assistant Secretary Jeremias Dolino, Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (CoMP) Chairman Artemio Disini, CoMP President Benjamin Phillip Romualdez, Philippines Australia Business Council (PABC) Chairman Leo G. Dominguez, and PABC Vice-Chairman Albert M. G. Garcia.

The Forum focused on the PABC platform, recent developments in and future outlook for the Philippine mining industry, its significant legal milestones and opportunities.  The subsequent question-and-answer session aired concerns on the impact of the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997 on the Mining Act, effect of the Clean Air Act on coal consumption, the state of the Philippine coal industry, regulations on tailings disposal and opportunities in residual mine output.

Ambassador Ortega added that the Hon. Neil Roberts MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, Minister for State Development, Trade and Innovation, hosted a luncheon for the delegation with guests from the Queensland mining industry.  The day was capped with dinners hosted by Xstrata for the mining group and AFCCQ for the trade group at the Brisbane Polo Club.

The Philippine delegation’s itinerary included a joint meeting between the executives of the PABC and AFCCQ, and round-table meetings with Queensland mining and education sectors.

Ambassador Ortega explained that the visit was part of an Australian tour, which includes Melbourne (10 August) and Sydney (11 August) where the Philippine Australia Ministerial Meeting (PAMM) will be held on 12 August.

Other members of the Philippine delegation included Violy Searby (PABC Treasurer), Michelle Searby (Myriad Consulting), Patricia A. O. Bunye (Partner, Villaraza Angangco), Ma. Romelda M. Bengzon (Managing Partner, Bengzon Law Firm), Jill Marie B. Lopez and Jaime Fortunato A. Caringal (Associates, Villaraza Angangco).  END