Green data collection and mining strategy for sustainable-best practice

in the mining-geology sector in the Mindanao Region of the Philippines

D E Egirani1, S Allan2, S Daisy2 and M Filemonito3

1.Senior Lecturer, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma 071.

eenonidavidson@yahoo.com
2.Sanguinian Palaligan, Province of Agusan del Sur, Patinay Prosperidad 8500.
eenonidavidson@gmail.com
3.Lead Consultant, Philippine BizCamp Inc Surigao Caraga 8400.
Email: monmonteros@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
Communities in the Mindanao region of the Philippines recognise that the steadily increasing level
of mining activities and population growth, lead to an increase in environmental pressure on critical
areas. Therefore, there is a need for stakeholders to critically appraise principles, policies, and
practices that could lead to the best practices required for sustainable mining and environmental
management that is driven by green data collection, mining strategy, principles, and practices. This
novel environmental regulatory framework was put in place by the authors after a rigorous 2-year
investigation. This framework is being applied in the management of active mining sites, abandoned
mining sites, thus, providing reasonable economic and environmental benefits to the industrial
players and mining communities. The green data collection and mining strategy is for enhancing
social, economic and environmental resource performance. The project methods involved a desktop
review of previous and existing local, regional, and national data collection and mining strategy. This
was followed up with visits to mine-sites and discussions held with stakeholders in the mineral sector.
In this paper, the role of information, education, and communication have been revisited and it fits
adequately into the novel “data collection and mining model” being advanced for the mining sector.
The absence of this framework poses the most challenging aspect of prosperity offered by the
quality, quantity, diversity, and the sustainability of the mineral resource sector in the Mindanao
region. Therefore, this paper has discussed the content of the green data collection and mining
strategy plan anchored on a sustainable control planning cycle. This approach could drive and
sustain the harmony between man and the environment. This strategy would balance the ecological
requirements, the sustainability of the environment, and the development of mineral resources in the
region.

INTRODUCTION
The primary concern of stakeholders in the mineral sector before the passage of the Philippine
Mining Act of 1995, was to ensure the sustenance of financial gains from the mining industry to the
general economy. The strategy of money first, environment and sustainability as secondary drove
the image of the industry underground with so many adverse consequences (Bernaldez and Soriano,
2017). To restore the image of the industry, protect the environment, and balance sustainability,
Provinces in the Mindanao Region engaged the services of professionals to revisit the activities in
the mining sector and work out a mineral sectoral plan anchored on best practices at mine sites
(Bernaldez and Soriano, 2019; Boquet, 2017; Borde and Rasch, 2018).
In crafting this strategic plan, there was a need for a balance shift of emphasis on the sustainability
of the mineral sector that is derived from responsible mining. The sustainability of the mining
environment and the development of the mining communities form parts of best practices required
for the productivity of the mineral sector. Therefore, the collection of mining data from the mine sites
must be seen to be environmentally friendly by the mining community, the regulator, and the
regulated(Buenafe-Ze, Minter and Telan, 2016; Cadiz, Fadrilan-Camacho, Quizon and Josef, 2016;
Camba, 2016; Castro and Hernandez, 2019).
The models involved in information, education, and communication campaign include finance-
environment-community-mine-site model (FECM); environment-community-mine-site-finance model
(ECMF); and the mine-site, finance, environment-community model (MFEC). The negative

Mining Geology 2019 / Perth, WA, 25-26 November 2019 450

perception against large scale mining exists in the Philippines and the region in particular. Therefore,
IEC would form the focal point for the development of the mining industry. Obstacles and challenges
that would be addressed through IEC could take many forms and it is dependent on the model to be
adopted(Cedeno, Edraki, McIntyre, Huynh and Callow, 2019; Køster-Rasmussen et al, 2016;
Merilles and Silva, 2018; Migo, Mendoza, Alfafara and Pulhin, 2018) (Table 1). In all these models,
the component of utmost interest and priority comes first, descending the line in the order presented.
Table 1: Information, education, and communication strategies

Source of Obstacle Nature of obstacle Form of IEC

Community/General public
Other Sectors
Regulator-Partners (DENR,
EMB, NCIP)
Regulated Partners such as
Miners and Mineral
Processors
Scepticism of stakeholders
commitment
Mining conflict with forestry
and agriculture despite
common
effects of these activities
Lack of political will and moral
values to process and
implement policies
Illegal activities and non- how community-based
compliance
- Community-based
documentary video on good
practice during festivals
- Newsletter on the benefits of
mining
- Radio program on meet the
miner
- Community consultations
- Billboards on good practice
- Community-based interactive
theatre show
- Reduce single-mindedness,
intolerance and
competitiveness
through inter-sectoral forum
- Do inter-sectoral seminar
workshop and IEC to create
common ground for co-
existence
Reduce bureaucracy through
regular inter-agency and inter-
sectoral forum
documentary video on the
implications of illegal mining &
non-compliance to other
stakeholders and appraise
procedures for legalising
operations within a given time
frame

Before the crafting and implementation of the sectoral mineral plan, there was imbalance and
misplacement of priority in the kind of model to be adopted for data collection and mining strategy.
The Diwalwal experience remained fresh in the mind of stakeholders. The mine tunnels lacked
ventilation, lightning, and mine workers artisanal operators lacked the basic health and safety gears.
The waste generated at mine -sites lacked effective treatment, management, and utilisation. Herein,
there was evidence of the lack of effective information, education, and communication strategy by
the stakeholders. In revisiting these models and subsequent implementation of the same,
professionalism and improved mining practices have been realised, resulting in greater performance,
productivity, and sustainability of the mining industry(Opiso, Aseneiro, Banda and Tabelin, 2018;
Simbulan, 2016; Soriano and Bernaldez, 2019; Thomashausen, Maennling and Mebratu-Tsegaye,
2018; Trinidad Jr, 2019; Verbrugge, 2015a, 2015b, 2015c).

Mining Geology 2019 / Perth, WA, 25-26 November 2019 451

METHODOLOGY OF STUDY
The authors recognise that sound mining principles and policies give birth to sound mining practices
at mine-sites. Therefore, there is a need to review existing mineral legislation. The project methods
involve a desktop review of previous and existing local, regional, and national data collection and
mining strategy. This is supported with visits to mining sites and discussions held with stakeholders
in the mineral sector. These steps are aimed at providing a novel data collection and mining model
that would promote sustainability of the mining sector. The Philippine mining Act of 1995 aimed to
strengthen existing regulations and mitigate the environmental effect of mining, small-scale mining.
Also, the review is to encourage the implementation of small-scale mining as a livelihood source.
Furthermore, strengthening of the small-scale mining operation as a livelihood program is a part of
the principal behind Executive Order 270 known as the Revitalisation of the mining industry issued
by President Arroyo in 2002. Furthermore, the review is to ensure that the executive order is
vigorously implemented using the IEC model. Also, the Mindanao Region is not only to formalise
small scale mining but professionalise them such that all legitimate small-scale miners irrespective
of the number of employees would work with professionals.
Under the SSMA or Republic Act (RA) 7076, Local Government Units have the authority to issue
small scale mining contracts and at the same time monitor and enforce laws on Small Scale Mining
activities. However, Local Government Units are increasing becoming incapacitated to carry out
these functions due to lack of administrative and technical capability to monitor the mines. Therefore,
the department of environment and natural Resources needs to strengthen Local Government Units’
monitoring and law enforcement capabilities. Therefore, capability building may include training of
Local Government Unit personnel and acquisition of any equipment required in this regard. There is
a need to harmonise RA 7076 covered by small-scale mining contracts and PD 1899 covered by
small-scale mining permits. The former aims to grant contracts to mining cooperatives while the latter
aims to grant a Permit to individual, entity, or organisation. Moreover, small scale mining contracts
can only be renewed once while the latter could be renewed for periods. However, the advantage of
RA 7076 is that with permits granted to a group of miners or a cooperative, legal responsibility on
mining effects to the community or the environment is shared by several people rather than by just
an individual as allowed under PD 1899.
Although there is more risk in granting individuals a permit compared with granting the same to a
cooperative, individuals and entities could federate to capacitate their technical deficiency.
Therefore, the option of repealing PD 1899 does not arise; instead, both RA 7076 and PD 1899
should be given equal weighting to ease administration of the policies. This means "Cooperatives
and individual permittees should co-exist and political concerns (pressures) should be balanced with
political will by the stakeholders to enforce them(Verbrugge and Besmanos, 2016; Verbrugge,
Cuvelier and Van Bockstael, 2015; Wayland, 2019).
Table 2: Existing mining operations

Operating Permittee Location Kind of Mineral

Calos P. Lademora Brgy.3, Karaos, San Francisco Gold Ore/Tailings
Nepthali Salcedo San Francisco Gold Ore
Jessie Aguirre San Francisco Gold Ore
Emerita Salcedo Brgy. 5, San Francisco Gold Ore
Darna Daytoc Brgy. 2, San Francisco Gold Ore
Carlo P. Lademora Brgy. 5, San Francisco Gold Ore
Generoso Camarin Sr. San Andres, Bunawan Gold Ore
PHILSAGA Mining Bayugan 3, Rosario Gold Ore
Corporation (PSMC)

Mining Geology 2019 / Perth, WA, 25-26 November 2019 452

There is limited large scale mining operation currently being done by Philsaga mining corporation
(Table 2). The corporation was given a two-year temporary mining permit for large scale mining
Activities which elapsed in 2008. However, the company has applied for large scale operation under
the mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA) for 25 years and is currently awaiting approval.
Other mining companies which have applied for exploration permit and operating a joint venture with
Philsaga Mining Corporation (PSMC) include: (a) Safari-Land Mining Company, (b) Bunawan Mining
Company, (c) Elkorn Petroleum Mining Company and (d) PHISAMED. Regular visits were made to
the mine sites of these mining companies and an assessment made based on the nature of
tunnelling, ventilation of tunnels, lightening of tunnels, health and safety of Miners, and the use of
personal protective equipment during mining operations. Also, an assessment was made on the
level of ore recovery and the necessity for secondary treatment of tails for further ore recovery.
Finally, interviews were conducted with stakeholders to ascertain the implementation of existing rules
and regulations, the condition of mine sites, and efforts being made by stakeholders to improve on
their performance and sustainability. Some of the stakeholders interviewed included the Mayors of
the municipalities, small scale mining operators, large scale mining companies, department of
environment and natural resources, mines and geoscience bureau, Manobo tribal association,
environment management bureau, and national commission on indigenous people.
Therefore, IEC is more than providing information to those who are the sources of obstacles. It is all
about starting a participatory process; ensuring that stakeholders support existing policies;
identifying and involving all stakeholders in decision making and implementations; involving non-
governmental organisations that have local credibility in the campaign; identifying and involving
individuals in the mining communities with specific talents and skills; capacitating mining community
to take the lead in the Information, education, and communication campaign and; involving
teenagers, middle class and women participation as they often represent the voices of the people.
To achieve good practice at mine-sites, an effective IEC mechanism to appraise some of the
common activities in the mining, agriculture, and forestry sectors formed the basis of the inter-
sectoral discussions. Some of the common activities which could cause environmental degradation
and social problems to communities include land clearing, excavation, the use of machinery, use of
chemicals, and use of child labour. Also, there shall be established a multi-sectoral committee to be
Co-headed by the Chairman of the provincial mining regulatory board and the provincial Vice-
Governor to implement the Provincial Information, education, and communication strategy of the
Provincial Government. At the municipal level, the vice-mayor shall head this committee with the
municipal environment and natural resource office (MENRO) as co-head. This committee shall be
responsible for IEC dissemination on mining matters as well. The IEC model revisited provided the
green data collection and mining strategy for enhancing social, economic, and environmental
resource performance.

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS

The authors find that there is enough legislation to ensure the sustainability of the mineral sector and
provide sound practices at the mine site. However, for effective implementation of this legislation at
mine sites, there is a need for a mineral code drawn up through community-based participation.
Therefore, the authors adopt the mine-site, finance, environment-community model (MFEC) to
process a green data collection and mining strategy. In this model, what happens at the mine site is
the most important. This model is guided by the funding of the mineral sector through the
stakeholders (Table 3). Also, the sustainability of the mineral sector is anchored at some point on
effective community-based participation engineered by the funding of a sound environmental
rehabilitation strategy.
At mine-sites, two activities of interest are identified. The condition of the tunnels in terms of safety
need be addressed. Also, toxic waste is generated, and the treatment, management, and utilisation
of the tailings are of interest to the authors. Ordinarily, cyanidation uses solutions of sodium or
potassium cyanide as leaching agents to extract precious metals from ore. The gold industry of today
applies heap or valley fill leaching technique; agitation leaching followed by carbon-in-pulp (CIP),
and agitated carbon-in-leach (CIL). Furthermore, the use of cyanide was appropriate for fine-grain
gold disseminated in the ore.

Mining Geology 2019 / Perth, WA, 25-26 November 2019 453

 Table 3: Results of the MFEC model

Activity Out-come at mine-sites

Community consultations
Inter-sectoral seminar-workshop
Appraise procedures for legalising operations
Re-enacting waste utilisation strategy
Improved community participation
Improved condition of tunnels
Improved number of legal miners
Improved recovery of ore and waste disposal
technique

Heap or valley fill leaching is a technique used in the beneficiation of low-grade ore of about 0.04
Ounces per tonne (oz/t) in the Mindanao Region of the Philippines. The gold industry of today applies
heap or valley fill leaching technique; agitation leaching followed by carbon-in-pulp (CIP), and
agitated carbon-in-leach (CIL). Furthermore, the use of cyanide for appropriate for fine-grain gold
disseminated in the ore.
Heap or valley fill leaching is a technique used in the beneficiation of low-grade ore of about 0.04
Ounces per tonne (oz/t). After completion of the leaching process then the tailings derived from the
process is turned into waste. Series of tanks are used in carbon-in-pulp and carbon-in-leach
cyanidation techniques. In this process, finely meshed gold ore is turned into slurries using a leaching
solution. Consequently, the gold-cyanide mix is charged with activated carbon. In carbon in pulp
process, the leaching and recovery processes are done in two separate tanks. Also, in carbon in
leach cyanidation, the operations are done in a single tank operation with a higher rate of gold
recovery. Therefore, a lot of waste containing cyanide is generated at the mine and processing sites.
Depending on the mining method, technology, and type of operation, mining and processing
operators have to employ waste management mechanism in consonance with sustainable
development concepts and as embodied in their environment compliance certificates. Therefore,
appropriate measures and approaches in handling waste that will diminish and mitigate adverse
consequences to the environment and the surrounding communities should be implemented.
So, properly constructed tailing ponds with adequate lining to reduce hazards all centralised within
the processing zone will remain the most viable method of mine-waste disposal. Furthermore,
evidence of life i.e. green tailing pond would suggest environmental compliance rather than
depending on the paperwork that does not reflect environmental realities.
The potentials for mines to generate high acidity and release contaminants could be reduced and
controlled if tailings or mine mill waste are treated and managed by impounding tailings below the
water table to avoid contact with atmospheric oxygen; The use of clay liners to reduce leakage of
leachates; The diversion of mine-wastewater to treatment plants and treating them with sodium
hydroxide, chlorination or hypochlorite in solution; the introduction of seaweeds, carbonate and
carbonate beds to raise reduce metal content and increase the pH of mine wastewater; natural
degradation to reduce the total cyanide concentration in a mine-waste without any human
intervention; the use of artificial and natural adsorbents to reduce metals in solution.
In all cases of waste treatment, it is recommended that treated mine-waste be given a minimum
contact period of 15-20 weeks in tailing pond before discharge into the environment. Furthermore,
controlling and management of mine-waste require the usage of a large volume of water. Therefore,
it is recommended that all processing operators should have a centralised borehole generating water
for effective dilution of the tailings for easy natural degradation (Trinidad, 2019).
Also, it shall be the responsibility of processing operators in coordination with the Local Government
Units to dispose or utilise all treated tailings in a manner that will comply with existing environmental
standards under to R.A. 9275 provincial waste management strategies. Utilization of tailings i.e.
waste from gold-ore processing associated with cyanidation operations remain a current area of
research.
Good practices in treatment and utilisation of such waste not only prevent environmental degradation
but also prevent costly remedial measures. Tailings from tank leaching may be treated before

Mining Geology 2019 / Perth, WA, 25-26 November 2019 454

discharge to the tailing's impoundment. As the tailing’s impoundment becomes dewatered,
reclamation may take place. Various treatment methods that have been adopted in the treatment of
tailings containing cyanide solutions. These include neutralization of waste using a base. Heaps of
tailings are continuously rinsed with water and eventually chlorinated. In the treatment of the tailings
containing cyanide, the tailings are allowed to degrade without any anthropogenic influence. This
process is followed by the dismantling of the heaps of tailings into smaller batches.
In the process using sulphur for the treatment of tailings, sulphur dioxide in the presence of copper
and air is processed with lime. Consequently, the cyanide is converted to a cyanate which is less
toxic to the biotic environment. In the process involving the use of hydrogen peroxide, cyanide is
converted to a cyanate in the presence of copper ions. Consequently, the cyanate is turned into
ammonia and carbonate. The copper sulphate added acted as a catalyst in the reaction processes.
The addition of lime regulates the pH and the presence of bacteria transforms the cyanide to
ammonia. These processes whereby cyanide concentration in tailings are reduced without any
human intervention is termed as natural degradation. These processes include the formation of
microbes in the soil, the conversion of cyanide into gaseous form, hydrolysis in soils; anaerobic
biodegradation, and complexation (Cadiz et al, 2016).
The authors discovered that the gradual elimination of cyanide was lower in the interior of heaps of
tailings. Therefore, there was a need to agitate the impoundment or heap continuously for 20 weeks.
The treated waste could be spread over a pilot area as topsoil after testing. The application of the
MFEC to process a green data collection and mining strategy has worked out an improved framework
for best practices in the mining sector in the Mindanao Region of the Philippines.
After the leaching process then the tailings derived from the process is turned into waste. Series of
tanks are used in carbon-in-pulp and carbon-in-leach cyanidation techniques. In this process, finely
meshed gold ore is turned into slurries using a leaching solution. Consequently, the gold-cyanide
mix is charged with activated carbon. In carbon in pulp process, the leaching and recovery processes
are done in two separate tanks. Also, in carbon in leach cyanidation, the operations are done in a
single tank operation with a higher rate of gold recovery (Migo et al, 2018). Therefore, a lot of waste
containing cyanide is generated at the mine and processing sites.
Depending on the mining method, technology, and type of operation, mining and processing
operators have to employ waste management mechanism in consonance with sustainable
development concepts and as embodied in their Environment Compliance Certificates. Therefore,
appropriate measures and approaches in handling waste that will diminish and mitigate adverse
consequences to the environment and the surrounding communities should be implemented.
So, properly constructed tailing ponds with adequate lining to reduce hazards all centralised within
the processing zone will remain the most viable method of mine-waste disposal. Furthermore,
evidence of life i.e. green tailing pond would suggest environmental compliance rather than
depending on the paperwork that does not reflect environmental realities.
The potentials for mines to generate high acidity and release contaminants could be reduced and
controlled if tailings or mine mill waste are treated and managed by impounding tailings below the
water table to avoid contact with atmospheric oxygen; The use of clay liners to reduce leakage of
leachates; The diversion of mine-wastewater to treatment plants and treating them with sodium
hydroxide, chlorination or hypochlorite in solution; the introduction of seaweeds, carbonate and
carbonate beds to raise reduce metal content and increase the pH of mine wastewater; natural
degradation to reduce the total cyanide concentration in a mine-waste without any human
intervention; the use of artificial and natural adsorbents to reduce metals in solution.
In all cases of waste treatment, it is recommended that treated mine-waste be given a minimum
contact period of 15-20 weeks in tailing pond before discharge into the environment. Furthermore,
controlling and management of mine-waste require the usage of a large volume of water. Therefore,
it is recommended that all processing operators should have a centralised borehole generating water
for effective dilution of the tailings for easy natural degradation (Castro and Hernandez, 2019).
Also, it shall be the responsibility of processing operators in coordination with the Local Government
Units to dispose of or utilise all treated tailings in a manner that will comply with existing
environmental standards under to R.A. 9275 provincial waste management strategies. The utilisation

Mining Geology 2019 / Perth, WA, 25-26 November 2019 455

of tailings (ie waste from gold-ore processing associated with cyanidation operations) remain a
current area of research.
Good practices in treatment and utilisation of such waste not only prevent environmental degradation
but also prevent costly remedial measures. Tailings from tank leaching may be treated before
discharge to the tailing's impoundment. As the tailing’s impoundment becomes dewatered,
reclamation may take place. Various treatment methods that have been adopted in the treatment of
tailings containing cyanide solutions. These include neutralisation of waste using a base. Heaps of
tailings are continuously rinsed with water and eventually chlorinated. In the treatment of the tailings
containing cyanide, the tailings are allowed to degrade without any anthropogenic influence. This
process is followed by the dismantling of the heaps of tailings into smaller batches.
In the process using sulphur for the treatment of tailings, sulphur dioxide in the presence of copper
and air is processed with lime. Consequently, the cyanide is converted to a cyanate which is less
toxic to the biotic environment. In the process involving the use of hydrogen peroxide, cyanide is
converted to a cyanate in the presence of copper ions. Consequently, the cyanate is turned into
ammonia and carbonate. The copper sulphate added acted as a catalyst in the reaction processes.
The addition of lime regulates the pH and the presence of bacteria transforms the cyanide to
ammonia. These processes whereby cyanide concentration in tailings are reduced without any
human intervention is termed as natural degradation. These processes include the formation of
microbes in the soil, the conversion of cyanide into gaseous form, hydrolysis in soils; anaerobic
biodegradation, and complexation. The authors discovered that the gradual elimination of cyanide
was lower in the interior of heaps of tailings. Therefore, there was a need to agitate the impoundment
or heap continuously for 20 weeks. The treated waste could be spread over a pilot area as topsoil
after testing. The application of the MFEC to process a green data collection and mining strategy
has worked out an improved framework for best practices in the mining sector in the Mindanao
Region of the Philippines.
Wastewater to be treated is introduced into a mixing vessel, where it is reacted with hydrogen
peroxide. Thereafter, copper sulphate is added as a catalyst. The pH is controlled by the addition of
lime and microbial action, either naturally occurring or as cyanide detoxification technique, causes
the transformation of cyanide to ammonia. Metal ions released from metal cyanides will be absorbed
by the biomass and thiocyanates are converted to sulphate. Natural degradation is a general term
for all of the processes that may reduce the total cyanide concentration of waste in the absence of
any human intervention. These processes include microbial generation of cyanate/ammonia in the
soil; volatilisation of cyanide from solution after absorption of CO2 or SO2 from the atmosphere, and
consequent formation of acid; hydrolysis in soils. Other processes include anaerobic biodegradation
and complexation (Cadiz et al., 2016).
The natural degradation processes to some extent, occur in barren solution lagoons, tailings
impoundments, and heaps. The efficiency of cyanide destruction may be lower in the interior of
heaps or the bottoms of lagoons. Therefore, there is a need to agitate the impoundment or heap
continuously for 20 weeks. No known technology is required and total cyanide in a tailings pond
could decrease from 68.7 mg/L to 0.008 mg/L over 20-weeks. The treated waste could be spread
over a pilot area as topsoil after testing (Castro and Hernandez, 2019).

CONCLUSION
In this study, stakeholders have critically appraised principles, policies, and practices that govern
mining operations in the Mindanao Region of the Philippines. The authors adopt the mine-site,
finance, environment-community model (MFEC) to process a green data collection and mining
strategy. The application of this model could lead to the best practices required for sustainable
mining since it is community-based and driven by all stakeholders. This novel mining regulatory
framework is put in place by the authors after a two-year investigation. This framework is being
applied in the management of active and abandoned mining sites thus, providing reasonable
economic and environmental benefits to the mineral sector. The green data collection and mining
strategy is for enhancing social, economic and environmental resource performance. The project
methods involve a desktop review of previous and existing local, regional, and national data
collection and mining strategy. This was followed up with visits to mine-sites and discussions held

Mining Geology 2019 / Perth, WA, 25-26 November 2019 456

with stakeholders in the mineral sector. In this paper, the role of information, education, and
communication have been revisited and it fits adequately into the novel MFEC model being
advanced for the mining sector. The absence of this framework poses the most challenging aspect
of prosperity offered by the quality, quantity, diversity, and sustainability of the mineral resource
sector in the Mindanao Region. Therefore, this paper provides the content of the green data
collection and mining strategy plan anchored on a sustainable control planning cycle. This approach
could drive and sustain the harmony between man and the environment. This strategy would balance
the ecological requirements, the sustainability of the environment, and the development of mineral
resources.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are grateful to the Voluntary Service Organisation of the United Kingdom for providing
sponsorship for the research work. Also, the authors are grateful to the Province of Agusan del Sur
for providing the platform and logistic support for the research work.

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