Project Cagayan: Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

Project Cagayan is committed to achieving environmental sustainability and inclusive economic development through a well-defined framework of social responsibility programs, ecological protection measures, and compliance with internationally recognized standards. The project’s sustainability strategy is both proactive and data-driven, ensuring that key environmental and social outcomes are measurable, transparent, and aligned with best practices.

As part of its commitment to local communities, the project implements a Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) focused on job creation, infrastructure improvements, and vocational training. Key performance indicators (KPIs) under the SDMP include the employment of at least 500 local residents, construction of at least 10 community infrastructure projects (e.g., roads, schools, health centers), and the provision of certified vocational training to 1,000 individuals over the project’s first five years. These targets ensure that economic benefits are equitably distributed and support long-term socio-economic development in the region.

Environmental sustainability is guided by the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP), which includes waste management protocols, water conservation systems, and tailings handling procedures designed to minimize ecological impact. The project aims to maintain 100% compliance with the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and related DENR Administrative Orders. Specific environmental KPIs include zero incidents of hazardous waste leakage, 90% recycling of process water, and marine biodiversity preservation at baseline levels or better, as determined through biannual environmental impact assessments.

To ensure the effectiveness and accountability of its environmental initiatives, Project Cagayan adheres to the following ISO standards:

• ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management Systems

• ISO 26000:2010 – Guidance on Social Responsibility

• ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety Management

Third-party audits and annual sustainability reports will be conducted to verify compliance with these standards, with results made available to stakeholders through blockchain-based transparency portals. These reports will include environmental performance metrics, emission levels, waste management data, and community development outcomes, ensuring stakeholders have real-time access to verified project data.

Marine ecosystem protection is reinforced through continuous environmental monitoring using remote sensing technology, water quality testing, and biodiversity assessments in collaboration with local environmental agencies and NGOs. The goal is to ensure no net loss in marine biodiversity and maintenance of water quality within Class SB standards under the Philippine Water Quality Guidelines.

By integrating these KPIs, compliance benchmarks, and third-party oversight mechanisms, Project Cagayan demonstrates that resource development can be achieved responsibly, with clear metrics and international accountability guiding every phase of operation.