Executive Order (E.O.) No. 270, as amended, issued on January 16, 2004 and amended on April 20, 2004, provides for the revitalization of the mining industry through the promotion of responsible mining that adheres to the principles of sustainable development and translates into economic, environmental, and social development. As envisioned, the Executive Branch of Government shall actively promote the mining industry as a priority vehicle for economic growth.

The 12 tenets of E.O. 270 include: 1) the critical role of investments; 2) clear, stable and predictable investment and regulatory policies; 3) value-adding; 4) promotion of small-scale mining as a formal sector; 5) use of efficient technologies; 6) protection of the environment; 7) safeguarding the ecological integrity of areas affected by mining; 8) multiple land use and sustainable utilization of minerals; 9) remediation and rehabilitation of abandoned mines; 10) equitable sharing of economic and social benefits; 11) sustained information, education and communication (IEC)campaign and respect for the rights of indigenous peoples (IPs) and communities; and 12) continuous and meaningful consultations with stakeholders.

To implement this executive issuance, the Mineral Action Plan (MAP) came forth when, the Office of the President on September 13, 2004, directed the DENR to lead a multi-sectoral plan formulation exercise (Annex 2).