The issues and concerns on mining are fully acknowledged by this administration.

Safeguards and safety nets are incorporated in the mining plan, especially pertaining to the environment and to the rights and entitlements of affected communities.

This has been a tripartite effort among the mining industry, various stakeholder groups and the government.

We have long implemented sharp cost-cutting measures and the streamlining of government agencies as part of the overall fiscal plan.

Some new positions are needed under the rationalized and re-engineered setup, and the overall result has been better coordination, lesser costs and faster delivery of services.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last night called on all members of the mining industry both in the Philippines and all over the world to meet the challenge of sustainable development through responsible mining.

In a speech at the dinner reception for the participants of the International Mining Investment Conference of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines at Malacanang’s Rizal Hall, the President asked the participants to help the government bring down the message of responsible mining.

"Help us bring the message of responsible mining now before negative attitudes sit into the fabric of the community as our lifetime partners in the fight against poverty," she said.

The Chief Executive stressed that winning the hearts and minds of the people in the community is the first step towards forging a strong partnership in shaping the overall environmental and social strategies.

"More than ever, we need to get down to more community dialogues in a spirit of sincerity and mutual respect," she said. "We must listen to the voice of indigenous peoples and local government because they guarantee the stability and longevity of your investments."

The President said the conference comes at a time when the Philippines is experiencing political dynamism and economic growth, 6.1 percent growth rate, record levels of the stock exchange, very rapid strengthening of the peso and a very favorable ruling of the Supreme Court on the constitutionality of the Mining Law.

SUAL,Pangasinan - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said today that the doors are open for peace for all insurgents including the New People's Army.

The President made the comment during a media interaction here in where she also said that the government has continued to ask for peace from the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other left-leaning groups under the National Democratic Front.

"We continue to ask for peace to keep doors open for peace. In fact we are proposing for a ceasefire but it takes two to tango," she said in answer to a query.

The President noted that the ceasefire agreement with the MILF is holding very well, saying the rebels have prospected for the continued peace process in Mindanao.

She said the peace situation in Mindanao is actually in a stable level and the formal peace agreement is only a formality.

The Chief Executive expressed the hope that the NPA would follow soon and open its doors for the peace talks with the government panel.

"I would wish that the NPA would be as forthcoming," she said.

On the issue of the Filipino coalition in Iraq, the President told the local media here that the government will study what would be the proper contribution in accordance to the Filipino policy as well as with the foreign policy.

We welcome all well-meaning debates.

What is clear is that we are all on the same boat in wanting our country to move forward.

Our legislators are working for a more efficient tax collection system.

The Australian government today provided new funds in the amount of A$17 million in grants over the next five years to the Government of the Philippines (GOP)-UN Program for Mindanao, now called ACT (Action for Conflict Transformation) for Peace, for the speedy promotion of peace and development in the south.

Outgoing Australian Ambassador Ruth Pearce revealed the new aid this afternoon and turned over the letter of commitment to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at Malacanang’s Ramos (Music) Room.

The letter of commitment which contains the A$17 million aid was turned over by the President to Presidential Adviser for Mindanao and MEDCO (Mindanao Economic Development Council) chairman Jesus Dureza.

Ambassador Pearce informed the President that Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer has approved the grant contribution to the ACT for Peace program as part of Australia’s continuing commitment to the welfare and stability of the Philippines.

The new funds will be used to fund packages of targeted interventions in support of peace building, conflict prevention, and economic development in Mindanao.

Through the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), Australia has, by far, been the largest contributor to the GOP-UN Program, which was set up after the signing of the final peace accord between GOP and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

The new A$17 million commitment will bring Australia’s contribution to A$34.2 million since 1997. The Southern Philippines, particularly Mindanao, continues to be the geographical focus of Australian aid.

The ACT for Peace program will consolidate, expand and sustain the peace building, reach out to other post conflict, conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable communities especially indigenous people’s areas.

During the farewell call, Ambassador Pearce personally conveyed to the President her appreciation for the productive relationship and support that she received from the government during her three-year tour of duty in the country.

"I leave the Philippines with regret, but pleased that because of our combined efforts, the relationship between our two countries has grown and developed over the past three years. As I leave the Philippines, I know that the bonds between our two countries are as strong as ever, and will remain so for the future," Ambassador Pearce told the President.

Earlier, the President met Consul Manfred Hans Schmell of Germany at Malacanang’s Study Room and received the $8,000 checks as donation to the ongoing rehabilitation efforts for the victims of calamities in Quezon province.