Balitoc: Occupational Health Hazard and Risk Assessment of Small-Scale Miners in Barangay Virac, Itogon, Benguet

“Balitoc:” Occupational Health Hazard and Risk Assessment of Small-Scale
Miners in Barangay Virac, Itogon, Benguet
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Regionalization Program of

the University of the Philippines - College of Medicine
Barrientos, Nyka Noelle B. (Post LU-III)

Sawey, Jemima A. (Post LU-III)
Chammag, Clarisse P. (Post LU-IV)
Dela Cruz, Earnest Caiser Q. (Post-LU V)
Pasigon, Amor Mae M. (Post-LU V)
Almora, Jaime Jr. D. (Post- LU VI)
Bacuso, Andrew Chamson (Post-LU VI)
ABSTRACT
Mining and trade of gold were among the primary economic activities of ethno-linguistic
groups called Ibaloy and Kankanaey Igorots. This occupation was considered to be a “way of life”
rather than a means to acquire profit back in the early days of mining. However, with the growth
and expansion of the region’s economy through the operation of large scale mining companies, an
increase in number of small scale mining associations have also been evident particularly in Itogon,
Benguet. This being the case, it warrants the need to seek out current occupational health status,
particularly on the health awareness of small scale miners in the area seeing as this sector is highly
associated with poor health and safety.
The research employed a cross sectional study utilizing qualitative methods through Focus
Group Discussions (FGDs) and quantitative study methods particularly accomplishing
questionnaire-guided interviews that produced open and closed ended responses from the miners.
Data from the questionnaires underwent frequency and correlations analysis while thematic
analysis was done for the data set acquired during the FGD.
Small scale miners have extensive demographic characteristics. Most of them engage in
vices such as smoking, alcohol drinking and betel nut chewing. Also, a number of them are exposed
to occupational hazards such as exposure to fumes or gases and chemicals.
Age of the small scale miners has a significant relationship with their betel nut chewing;
however, state of employment has no significant relationship to any of the working environment
factors. The local government is highly advised to be more involved in informing the miners
regarding the harmful effects of mining occupational hazards.
Keywords: small-scale mining, occupational health, health awareness, cross-sectional study,

demographic characteristics, vices, working environment
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Over the years, the Philippines have remained one of the world's major producers
of gold and other minerals considering that the mining industry has traditionally been the
backbone of the Philippine economy (Domingo, 1993). Mining in the Philippines is dated
to be before historical records from the 14th to 15th century. In 2014 the Philippines gross
production of gold from small scale mining estimates to about 1.0 billion pesos (USD
21.7M) (MGB, 2017) and as of 2015 the Philippines holds the world's second largest gold
reserves(Jennings, Forbes Asia). Furthermore, based on Mines and Geosciences Bureau's
2016 statistics there are about 236,000 workers currently employed in the mineral industry
(MGB, 2017).
The province of Benguet hosts numerous large-scale and small-scale mining
operations in the country. Mining and trade of gold were among the primary economic
activities of the ethno-linguistic groups called Ibaloy and Kankanaey Igorots. Igorots have
developed their own traditional mining and processing methods that effectively enable
them to produce ore, which they trade for their other necessities. Early Igorot ancestors
who pioneered small scale mining in the early 14th century saw this not as a way to seek
profit but rather as a way of life to use gold for decorations, rituals and accessories. In
Itogon, Benguet, mining without the use of mercury is a known indigenous practice. Some
small scale miners use toxic chemicals because it is makes extraction of gold much easier
however most Itogon miners still prefer the old traditional method where in the rocks are
pulverized in a ball mill and the minerals are separated using a special cloth that is washed
inside a basin (Dangla, 2017)

Itogon is one of the 14 municipalities of Benguet province that is pride to be the
“Gold haven” in the Cordillera Administrative Region (Municipality of itogon). It has a
population of about 55,960 as of 2010. The main source of livelihood in the municipality
is the mining industry that occupies 10,310.65 has. or 20% of the total municipal land area
(DILG, 1999). Operating mining companies such as Benguet Corporation, Philex Mining
Company, Atok Big Wedge Mining Company (Now Atok Gold), Itogon Suyoc Mining
Company has been around for century that contributed to growth and expansion of the
region’s economy.
Mining is classified into either large scale mining that is formal and machinery
equipped or small-scale mining that requires manual labor. Small-scale mining is defined
as mining by individuals, groups, families or cooperatives with minimal or no
mechanization, often of the illegal sector of the market. It uses limited investment volume
of operations, small workforce, and limited mineral production. Several attempts have been
made to define small-scale mining. Nevertheless, it is characterized by a number of
conditions as follows: a) Lack of mechanization, and demanding work physically b) Low
level of occupational safety and health care c) Poor personnel qualifications d) Inefficiency
in exploitation and mineral production e) Low level productivity f) Low income or salaries
g) Insufficient consideration of environmental issues h) working without legal titles.
(Hentschel, Hruschka, & Priester, 2003).
The effective practice of occupational health and safety among miners is deficient in
most developing countries. One study in Northern Nigeria showed all (100%) quary sites
had no preventive/safety measures for workforce – non-use of personal protective
equipments (PPE). Also a study done in India among sandstone quarry workers showed
100% of the workers not using face masks to prevent inhalation of silica. Despite
knowledge about protective equipment and its use, non-compliance was observed.
(Babatunde, O. et al, 2013) This sector shows a strong relationship to general economic
indicator of a country: small-scale mining is poverty related (Hentschel, Hruschka, &
Priester, 2003). In recent news, several cases of miners dying from landslide accidents in
CAR have been reported due to lack of safety regulations for small scale miners.
Furthermore, most miners still make use of heavy metals such as mercury and cyanide in
their processing plants to extract gold. Exposure to such chemicals does not only pose as a
health risk for the miners but can be swept as mining waste to bodies of water, causing
damage to communities as well as marine life. (Laking, 2015)
However, deficient practice of health safety measures is not only limited to gold miners.
With a total cost of occupational accidents and disease worldwide estimated at around 1-
3% GDP, it is imperative to investigate the occupational health status of Itogon small-scale
gold miners to implement appropriate occupational safety practices, policies and
safeguards that would lessen the burden.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Mining is considered as the most hazardous occupation. Considering the above
aforementioned background on mining, it is still largely unregulated sector in the country
that frequently results to numerous preventable injuries and diseases. In spite of several
health and safety regulations, accidents and injuries in mining continue to persists. Thus it
is imperative in this study to determine what is the current health status of small scale
miners in their locality for suggestive improved health and safety measures.
Specifically the study answered the following questions:

1. To what extent is the knowledge of the small scale mining community with
regards to their current occupational health status?
2. What are the perceptions of the small scale mining community with regards
to their general health and well being?
3. What are some evidences from this study that can bring about innovative
community interventions that can result to better occupational health
services for small scale miners.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The general objective of the study is to describe the occupational health status of small
scale miners in Virac, Itogon, Benguet. Specifically it aims to:
1. Provide the socio – demographic characteristics of small scale miners included in
the study,
2. Describe their working environment according to different occupational health
hazards,
3. Describe health behavior,
4. Determine small-scale miners’ access to occupational health services and primary
care,
5. Describe relationship of some variables through correlation analysis,
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Small-scale mining plays a vital role in poverty alleviation and rural development.
However, this sector is associated with high environmental costs and poor health and
safety. Hence, results from this local study from seeking out occupational health
assessment among small-scale miners in Virac, Itogon can serve as a basis for planning
appropriate intervention methods, relevant and specific responses to the issues they face to
help alleviate the occupational hazards of indigenous miners and give small scale miners
attention.
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
This study is part of a larger project under Luke Foundation, INC. entitled
“Occupational Health Assessment of Small Scale Miners in Itogon Benguet”. This will
serve as a preview for the ongoing project and will be utilizing a condensed version of their
questionnaire.
The study focused only on the occupational health assessment of 128 small scale
miners in Virac, Itogon, Benguet. Limited only to miners who has been directly involved
in any mining activities such as tunneling and blasting, crushing ore, ball milling and
gravity concentration, cyanide leaching, smelting and refining and panning. A qualitative
questionnaire composed of open and close-ended questions was developed. Data acquired
using this questionnaire will be subjected to frequency and correlation analysis (Appendix
B). Face, construct and content validity of the developed tool will not be determined. The
data gathered in this study is based on in-depth interviews and may or may not be
necessarily reflect the objective data on the population-based surveys of the rural health
unit. The study was only conducted from June 6, 2017 to July 4, 2017.
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
The research made use of a cross sectional study utilizing qualitative methods
through a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) that addressed knowledge, awareness and
practice of small scale miners and quantitative study methods employing questionnaire-
guided interviews that produced open and closed ended responses from miners that
explores the socio-demographic characteristics, health behaviour, access to health care and
other factors concerning health awareness.
Time and Locale of the Study
The study was conducted in Barangay Virac ,Itogon located in the southeast end of
the province of Benguet forming a border with the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya (west) and
Pangasinan (south). Like most terrains found in the Central Cordillera Mountain Range, its
topography is characterized to be mountainous with deep valleys and steep slopes. It is
about 197 km from Manila and 11 km from Baguio. Duration of the study was from June
6- July 4, 2016.
Itogon is a 1st class municipality and its main source of livelihood is mining. It is
a host to major mining companies including Benguet Mining Corporation and Virac, Itogon
- Suyoc Mines as well numerous small scale mining associations which is a known
traditional occupation even before the arrival of large scale mining companies. Barangay
Virac accommodates the most number of small scale miners in the municipality despite
having only 4 small scale miner associations (BENRO, 2010)

Study Population
Computation of the sample size was done using the Yamane formula as described
by Israel, 2009. Sample size was computed as follows:
𝑁
𝑛 =
1 + 𝑁 (𝑒)2
Where:
n = sample size
N = population size
e = level of precision
According to the Benguet Environmental and Natural Resources Office (BENRO),
5939 small scale miners belonging to at least 31 organizations distributed in 7 barangays
was reported from a survey done in 2010. Among these, 1307 are contract miners which
belong to two small scale miners associations from two barangays (Ucab and Virac) who
had either a contract mining agreement or negotiating with the Benguet Corporation for a
contract mining agreement. These contract miners were excluded from the population as
defined by the exclusion criteria resulting to a total of 4632 small scale miners. Using 95%
confidence level and P=0.5, computation is a as follows:
4632
𝑛 =
1 + 4632 (0.05)2
𝑛 = 368.20
Sample in Barangay Virac was computed based on ratio and proportion of total
small scale miners of 1609 (BENRO, 2010) in the barangay to the population size applied
to the computed sample size. Computation is as follows:

1609 "
4632
= 100%
= 34.73% of Total
𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 = 0.3473 × 368.20
= 128
Inclusion criteria is defined as adult male or female, person self-ascribes as small
scale miner that is based in Virac Itogon, Benguet, directly and currently involved in the
extraction of minerals from a personal, family or corporate - subcontracted min, performing
any of the following tasks for at least once a month: tunneling and blasting, crushing ore,
ball milling and gravity concentration, cyanide leaching, smelting and refining and
panning.
Exclusion criteria include children, miners who are subcontracted by large mining
companies and those who are not currently active in small scale mining work.
Data Collection
Questionnaire guided interviews was conducted from June 22 - July 4. The authors
served as the data collectors and visited the participants at their work site. Each researcher
interviewed individual small scale miners using questionnaires previously designed by the
researchers from Luke Foundation, INC. Pretesting of the questionnaire was also done
prior to the commencement of the fieldwork and interviews.
Focus Group Discussion was also employed with participants including the small
scale mining officials and member, LGU Official and Municipal Health Officer. A seminar
regarding small scale miners occupational health and safety was conducted after which the
group was divided into subgroups to discuss further on the topic. The matrix of the FGD is
as follows
DATA SOURCE OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
Men and women who are Know their views on ● What did you learn
small scale mining officials occupational health and from the
or members safety and their coping presentations? What
strategies towards health was the most
LGU official and safety hazards striking for you?
● In your opinion,
Municipal Health Officer why do we need to
talk about the health
and safety of small
scale miners? Or do
we even need to
talk about it? Why
do you think so?
● What does
responsible mining
mean in terms of
health
Data Analysis
Data from the questionnaires was encoded using Microsoft Excel and was subjected
to frequency and correlation analysis. Information gathered from the FGD underwent
thematic analysis in order to gain knowledge and insight from the respondents.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Demographic characteristics
The following tables describe the demographic characteristics of the small scale
miner participants in terms of their age, ethnicity, religion, marital status, membership in
small scale mining association, highest educational attainment, number of years in small
scale mining, age started in small scale mining, and activities engaged in small scale
mining.
Table 1: Age of small scale miners

f %
18-25 41 32.28%
26-40 50 39.37%
41-60 35 27.56%
>60 1 0.79%
TOTAL 127
Table 1 shows the age groups of the small scale miners. Almost 40% of the small
scale miners fall at the age of 26 to 40 years old; 32% of them are 18 to 25 years old; around
27% are 41 to 60 years old, and below 1% are above 60 years old. The population of the
miners are noticeably young since their work entails physical strength and endurance.
Table 2: Ethnicity of small scale miners

f %
Bontoc 8 6.25%
Ibaloi 2 1.56%
Ifugao 14 10.94%
Ilocano 18 14.06%
Kalinga 16 12.50%
Kankana-ey 62 48.44%
None 3 2.34%
Pangasinan 4 3.13%
Tagalog 1 0.78%
TOTAL 128
Table 2 shows the ethnicity of the small scale miners. It shows that almost half
(49%) of them are Kankana-ey and around 38% in total are Ifugao, Kalinga, and Ilocano.
There are 6% who are Bontocs and around 5% in total are Pangasinan, Ibaloi and Tagalog.
Also, 2% of them does not belong to an ethnic group.
Table 3: Religion of small scale miners

f %
Iglesia ni Cristo 10 7.81%
Jehovah's Witness 2 1.56%
None 3 2.34%
Others 3 2.34%
Pagan 2 1.56%
Protestants 29 22.66%
Roman Catholic 79 61.72%

TOTAL 128
Table 3 shows the religion of the small scale miners. Most of the small scale miners
are Roman Catholics (almost 62%). Almost 23% of them are Protestants, almost 8% are
Iglesia ni Cristo and almost 2% are Jehovah’s Witness.
Table 4: Marital status of small scale miners

f %
Single 60 46.88%
Married 63 49.22%
Widow/er 1 0.78%
Separated 1 0.78%
Live-in 3 2.34%
TOTAL 128
Table 4 shows the marital status of the small scale miners. Almost half (49%) of
the small scale miners are married and 47% are single. Less than 1% are widowed and
separated and there are 2% who are not legally married but lives in with their partners.
Table 5: Membership in a small scale miners’ association.

f %
Yes 94 74.02%
No 33 25.98%
TOTAL 127
Table 5 shows the membership of the small scale miners in a small scale miners’
association. Almost 75% among them are members of various small scale miners’
association.
According to the miners, the association they join in is usually the association
where their mining site is. Most of the associations are named based on the sitio or the
barangay of Itogon where the mining sites are located.
Table 6: Length of membership in a small scale miners’ association

f %
0-10 73 79.35%
11-20 12 13.04%
21-30 5 5.43%
more than 30 years 2 2.17%
TOTAL 92
Table 6 shows the length of membership of small scale miners in their associations.
Most (around 79%) of them are members for a month to 10 years and around 13% are
members for 11 to 20 years. There are few who are members for 21 to 30 years (around
5%) and for more than 30 years (around 2%).
Table 7: Educational attainment of small scale miners

f %
None 0 0.00%
Some Elementary 10 7.81%

Elementary 27 21.09%
Some High School 16 12.50%
High School 37 28.91%
Some College 21 16.41%
College 9 7.03%
Tech/ Voc 7 5.47%
Others 1 0.78%
TOTAL 128
Table 7 shows the educational attainment of the 128 small scale miners. Almost
29% of them are high school graduates, 21% are elementary graduates and 7% are college
graduates. Around 5% finished a technical/ vocational course.
Table 8: Years in small scale mining

f %
0-12 mos 22 17.19%
1-3 yrs 30 23.44%
4-6 yrs 14 10.94%
7-10 yrs 28 21.88%
>10 yrs 34 26.56%
TOTAL 128
Table 8 shows the length in years of the 128 participants working as a small scale
miner. Almost 27% of them are working for more than 10 years in the mines. Around
23% are working for 1 to 3 years, almost 22% are working for 7 to 10 years, around 17%
are working for less than a year and almost 11% are working for 4 to 6 years.
Table 9: Age started in small scale mining
f %
<18 18 14.17%
18-25 68 53.54%
26-40 35 27.56%
41-60 5 3.94%
>60 1 0.79%
TOTAL 127
Table 9 shows the age of the 128 participants when they started working as a
small scale miner. Almost 54% started in small scale mining at the age of 18 to 25 years
old, almost 28% started at the age of 26 to 40 years old, around 14% started when they
were less than 18 years old, almost 4% started at the age of 41 to 60 years old, and less
than 1% started when they were more than 60 years old.
Table 10: Activities done in small scale mining

TUNNELING/ CRUSHING BALL
BLASTING ORE MILLING
f % f % f %
Yes 119 92.97% 113 88.28% 100 78.13%
No 9 7.03% 15 11.72% 28 21.88%
TOTAL 128 128 128

CYANIDE SMELTING PANNING OTHERS
LEACHING
f % f % f % f %
42 32.81% 77 60.16% 91 71.09% 11 8.59%
86 67.19% 51 39.84% 37 28.91% 117 91.41%
128 128 128 128
Table 10 shows the activities done by the 128 participants as part of their work
being a small scale miner. Almost 93% of them are doing tunneling and blasting, around
88% are crushing ore, around 78% are doing ball milling, almost 33% are doing cyanide
leaching, around 60% are doing smelting, and around 71% are doing panning.
Table 11: Employment status

f %
Operator/ owner 25 19.53%
Worker 101 78.91%
Others 2 1.56%
TOTAL 128
Table 11 shows the employment status of the small scale miners. Almost 79% of
them are workers, and almost 20% are operators or owners.
Health behavior
The following tables show the health risk behavior profile of the 128 participants.
They show smoking, alcohol drinking, betel nut chewing, drug use, and other health risk
behaviors.
Table 12: Vices of small scale miners

SMOKING ALCOHOL BETEL NUT DRUG USE
f % f % f % f %
Yes 50 39.06% 114 89.06% 82 64.06% 10 7.81%
No 78 60.94% 14 10.94% 46 35.94% 118 92.19%
TOTAL 128 128 128 128
STOPPED 10 20.00% 3 2.63% 3 3.66% 9 90%
Table 12 shows the percentage of small scale miners with vices. Around 39% of
the small scale miners smoke or have tried smoking and 20% of them stopped smoking. It
also shows that almost all (around 89%) drink or have tried drinking alcohol and almost
3% of them stopped drinking. It also shows that more than half (almost 64%) of them chew
betel nut or have tried chewing betel nut and almost 4% stopped chewing betel nut. It also
shows that almost 8% of them use drugs or have tried using drugs and 90% stopped using
drugs.
According to the study of Catapang-Louisa (2015), majority of the small scale
miners do not observe various standards for health practices on sleep, exercise, smoking,
alcohol intake, betel nut chewing and medical consultation as set by health agencies.
In an another research involving indigenous small-scale miners in Lacub, Abra
showed that half of the respondents were smokers and betel nut chewers while majority of
them were alcohol drinkers (Leung, 2008).
Table 13: Age started with the vices

SMOKING ALCOHOL BETEL NUT DRUG USE
f % f % f % f %
less than 18 22 44.00% 48 42.11% 30 36.59% 7 70.00%
18-25 25 50.00% 57 50.00% 25 30.49% 3 30.00%
26-40 3 6.00% 1 0.88% 19 23.17% 0 0.00%
41-60 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 6 7.32% 0 0.00%
can't 0 0.00% 8 7.02% 2 2.44% 0 0.00%

remember
Table 13 shows the age of the small scale miners when they started their vices. 44%
of them started smoking when they were less than 18 years old, 50% of them started at the
age of 18 to 25 years old and 6% started at the age of 26 to 40 years old.
Table 13 also shows that around 42% of the 128 small scale miners started drinking
alcohol when they were less than 18 years old. 50% of them started at the age of 18 to 25
years old and less than 1 % started at the age of 26 to 40 years old. 7% cannot remember
their age when they started drinking.
It also shows that almost 37% of the small scale miners started chewing betel nut
when they were less than 18 years old. Around 30% of them started at the age of 18 to 25
years old, around 23% started at the age of 26 to 40 years old, and around 7% started at the
age of 41 to 60 years old. Almost 3% of them cannot remember their age when they started
chewing betel nut.
Lastly, it shows that 70% of the small scale miners started using drugs when they
were less than 18 years old and 30% of them started at the age of 18 to 25 years old.
It is noticeably that most of the small scale miners started with their vices young,
at the age of less than 18 to 25 years which encompasses the teenage puberty stage of
development. Pubertal stage was associated with higher rates of substance use and abuse
(Patton, 2004).
Table 14: Health risk behavior of small scale miners

UNPROTECTED/ GAMBLING DANGEROUS REGULAR SKIP
UNSAFE SEX EQUIPMENT EXERCISE MEALS
f % f % f % f % f %
Yes 34 26.56% 38 29.6% 32 25.00% 57 44.5% 59 46.09%
No 94 73.44% 90 70.3% 96 75.00% 71 55.4% 69 53.91%
TOTAL 128 128 128 128 128
Table 14 shows the percentage of small scale miners that engages in health risk
behaviors. Almost 27% of the small scale miners have tried to engage in unprotected/
unsafe sex, almost 30% engages in gambling activities, 30% of them have tried using
dangerous equipment without training, almost 56% does not exercise outside of their work,
and around 46% of them skip meals when they are working.
The table also shows that almost 45% of the small scale miners do regular exercises.
Both basketball and jogging or walking are the most common activities done. Some also
do push-ups and sit-ups. Supported by the study of Catapang-Louisa (2015), most of the
miners do not exercise. Others do intentional exercises like push-ups, jogging, weight
lifting, and stretching and few engage in incidental form of exercise like doing household
chores and walking to and from their workplace which for them is enough exercise already
(Catapang-Louisa, 2015).
Miners do not take exercise to be important. They prefer to spend such time and
energy inside the tunnel working than merely exercising (Catapang-Louisa, 2015).
Moreover, the miners claim that mining is a good exercise and even more strenuous.
Occupational Health Services and Primary Health
The following tables shows the occupational health services and primary health
services acquired by the small scale miners.
Table 15: Protective equipment used by small scale miners

HELMET GLOVES BOOTS LIGHT MASK
f % f % f % f % f %
Yes 103 80.47% 77 60.16% 113 88.28% 37 28.91% 50 39.06%
No 25 19.53% 51 39.84% 15 11.72% 91 71.09% 78 60.94%
TOTAL 128 128 128 128 128

Table 15 shows the protective equipment used by the small scale miners while
working. Around 80% of the small scale miners use helmet or skull guards while working,
around 60% use gloves, around 88% use boots, almost 29% use spotlights and around 39%
use masks.
According to the results of Catapang-Louisa (2015), almost all of their respondents
use rubber boots (82%) and spotlights (79%), and half of their respondents use helmets
(54%).
Most of small scale miners buy their own protective equipment. According to them,
since they are under private financers, contractors or owners and not under a mine
company, they have to buy their own since it won’t be provided by their employer. Though,
there are 27% of them whose employer provides their protective equipment.
Moreover, almost 90% of the small scale miners perceives that the protective
equipment they are currently using are adequate. It is enough for their own use and for
working safely inside the tunnels.
Table 16: Presence of first aid kit

f %
Yes 57 44.53%
No 71 55.47%
TOTAL 128
Table 16 shows the percentage of small scale miners who has first aid kit in their
camp or workplace. Almost 45% of the small scale miners has first aid kits in their camps
or workplace. More than half (around 55%) of the miners do not have first aid kits in their
camps or workplace.
According to the miners, when they do need first aid materials, they just buy in near
stores or if the injury is severe they rush the patients to the nearby clinics o hospital.
Table 17: Presence of rules on health and safety

f %
Yes 99 77.34%
No 29 22.66%
TOTAL 128
Table 17 shows the percentage of small scale miners whose workplace implements
rules regarding their health and safety while working. Around 77% of the small scale
miners has rules on health and safety implemented in their workplace.
Their most common rule is safety first. They should always wear protective
equipment while working and put bar down first before going inside the tunnel. According
to some miners, a miner’s motto should be “Bar down first”. They should also not work
when it is raining hard or when there’s a typhoon and always have a buddy system inside
the tunnel.
The miners are also particular in the cleanliness of the their tunnels. They are
restricted to eat, drink, smoke, chew betel nut, and use illegal drugs inside the tunnel. It is
stated in a policy from Bureau of Mines and Geosciences that they are restricted to eat
inside the tunnel (Catapang-Louisa, 2015). They also make sure that their garbage are
brought outside of the tunnel when they’re done working.

Some of the miners also prohibit food and activities due to their work. Prohibited
food includes dog meats, cow meat, fish meat, goat meat, and in general food with foul
odor. Prohibited activities include bringing in girls inside the tunnel, going inside the tunnel
if you have a mistress and when you just came from a funeral or wake. According to the
miners, these prohibited food and activities are beliefs of the elderly. These foods and
activities according to them bring bad luck and may ‘push away’ the gold.
Table 18: Where to go when sick

f %
Health facility (Health center/ Clinic/ Hospital) 85 66.41%
Home if still okay, but if severe go to a doctor 6 4.69%
Home/ Camp 26 20.31%
Never tried 11 8.59%
TOTAL 128
Table 18 shows where the small scale miners would go if they are sick. Around
66% of them will go to a health facility including health center or clinic or hospital, around
20% of them will just stay at home or at their camps, and the other 5% will stay home first
and will go to a doctor if their sickness gets severe.
According to the miners, the nearest clinic is in Balatoc which is owned by the
private mining company and the nearest hospital is the BGHMC in Baguio City. Some of
the miners know the clinic located at Camp 1, Acupan which is relatively nearer to their
camps and worksites.

Table 19: Government role in protecting miners’ health
f %
Yes 62 48.44%
No 66 51.56%
TOTAL 128
Table 19 shows the percentage of small scale miners who says that the government
has a role in protecting the health of miners. Around 48% of the small scale miners say that
the government has a role in protecting the health of miners. According to them, the
government organizes seminars regarding health and safety of the miners and also trainings
regarding first aid and what to do in case of accidents or injuries inside the tunnel. The
government also gives them free medical check-up and medicines and also give them free
protective equipment to use in their work.
On the other hand, almost 52% said that the government has no role in protecting
the health of miners. According to the miners, the government does not mind them since
they are from the private sector. Some say that they do not see any of the government
helping them.
Working environment
The following tables will show the working environment of the small scale miners.
It includes different environmental factors such as physical, chemical, mechanical and
ergonomic, biological, and psychosocial risks. Perceived effects on health of these factors
will also be showed.

Physical
Table 20: Exposure to loud noise, high temperature, and vibration

LOUD NOISE HIGH VIBRATION
TEMPERATURE
f % f % f %
Yes 97 75.78% 97 75.78% 100 78.13%
No 31 24.22% 31 24.22% 28 21.88%
TOTAL 128 128 128
Table 20 shows the exposure of small scale miners to loud noise, objects and
conditions with high temperature, and machines or equipments that vibrate in their
workplace. Almost 76% of the small scale miners are regularly exposed to loud noise and
high temperature in their workplace, and around 78% are exposed to vibration.
Table 21: Perceived effects of exposure to loud noise

f %
None 45 35.16%
Loss of hearing 49 38.28%
I don't know 8 6.25%
Others 14 10.94%
n/a 12 9.38%
Table 21 shows the perceived effects of loud noise of small scale miners to their
health. Around 38% of the participants perceived that high level of noise can cause loss of
hearing. Around 35% said that high level of noise has no effect on their health. Almost
11% stated other effects which include lack of sleep and loss of focus.
Supported by the literature in the study of Hudtohan and Valderrama (2015) which
involved mining companies in Marinduque, loud noise results to hearing impairment,
disruption of blood circulation, hormone imbalance, increased blood pressure and peptic
ulcer due to increased gastrointestinal motility.
Table 22: Perceived effects of exposure to high temperature

f %
None 26 20.31%
Body cramps 38 29.69%
Others 44 34.38%
n/a 12 9.38%
Table 22 shows the perceived effects of exposure to high temperature of small scale
miners to their health. Almost 30% of the 128 participants perceived that exposure to
objects or conditions with high temperature can cause body cramps. Around 20% said that
exposure to high temperature has no effect on their health. Around 34% stated other effects
of high temperature such as heavy sweating, headache, dehydration, dizziness, and getting
tired easily.
According to the study of Hudtohan and Valderrama (2011), the high temperature
condition underground causes dehydration, increased stress on the heart, opacity of the lens
of the eyes, and reduced fertility.
Chemical
Table 23: Exposure to fumes or gases, chemicals and dust

FUMES/ GASES DUST
CHEMICALS
f % f % f %
Yes 62 48.44% 109 85.16%

59 46.09%
No 66 51.56% 19 14.84%
50 39.06%
n/a 0 0 0 0
19 14.84%
TOTAL 128
128 128
Table 23 shows the presence of fumes or gases and chemicals in the workplace of
the small scale miners. Around 48% of the small scale miners said that fumes or gases are
present in their workplace such as methane, sulfur, and gas from the explosives and around
46% of them said that chemicals are presents such as mercury, cyanide, and explosives
(dynamite).
According to 50% of the small scale miners, the fumes and gases found in their
workplace are flammable, poisonous or corrosive while around 48% of the small scale
miners say that the chemicals found in their workplace are flammable, poisonous or
corrosive.
Almost 54% of the small scale miners say that the fumes and gases can possibly be
inhaled, ingested, injected, or spilled over their skin while almost 47% say that the
chemicals can possibly be inhaled, ingested, injected, or spilled over their skin.
The table also shows the exposure to dust of small scale miners. Around 85% of
the participants are exposed to dust in their workplace.
Table 24: Perceived effects of exposure to fumes/ gases and chemicals

f %
None 2 1.56%
I can die 59 46.09%
I can get sick 43 33.59%
Others (Accidents) 1 0.78%
n/a 15 11.72%
TOTAL 128
Table 24 shows the perceived effects of exposure to fumes or gases and chemicals
of small scale miners to their health. Around 46% perceives that they can die as an effects
of these fumes or gases and chemicals and almost 34% say that they can get sick.
Exposure to fumes emitted by machines and airborne particles of chemicals can
trigger accidents and cause death. Moreover, since there poor ventilation, oxygen levels
decreases which leads to suffocation and death. (Hudtohan and Valderrama, 2011)
Table 25: Perceived effects of exposure to dust
f %
None 6 4.69%
I can get sick 105 82.03%
Others 3 2.34%
n/a 7 5.47%
Table 25 shows the perceived effects of exposure to dust of small scale miners to
their health. Around 82% of the 128 small scale miners perceives that they can get sick
when exposed to dust regularly.
Specifically, rock and mineral dust can cause lung damage which is a major health
problem. Whether mining underground or above the ground, one may develop lung damage
if dust covers clothes, body, and equipment as he/she work (http://en.hesperian.org, 2014).
Table 26: Physical layout of workplace

SEPARATE PLACE RESTRICTED PLACE
FOR EATING FOR CHEMICALS
f % f %
Yes 125 97.66% 103 80.47%
No 3 2.34% 7 5.47%
n/a 0 0 18 14.06%
TOTAL 128 128
Table 26 shows if the workplace of the small scale miners has separate place for
eating and restricted storage for chemicals. Almost 98% of the small scale miners have a
separate place for eating in their workplace and around 84% has a restricted place for
chemicals. The miners are aware of the MGB provision stating that they should have a
separate place for eating (Catapang-Louisa, 2015).
Mechanical and Ergonomic
Table 27: Exposure to ergonomic hazards

USE OLD AWKWARD REPETITIVE
TOOLS POSITION TASK
f % f % f %
Yes 79 61.72% 97 75.78% 109 85.16%
No 47 36.72% 31 24.22% 17 13.28%
n/a 2 1.56% 0 0 2 1.56%
TOTAL 128 128 128
Table 27 shows the exposure of the small scale miners to ergonomic hazards in
their work. Almost 62% of them use old tools and equipment in their workplace, almost
76% assume awkward position for more than 30 minutes while doing their tasks, and
around 85% do repetitive and monotonous tasks in their work.

Table 28: Perceived effects of ergonomic hazards
f %
None 16 12.50%
Physical deformity 53 41.41%
Others 49 38.28%
n/a 5 3.91%
Table 28 shows the perceived effects of ergonomic hazards to the health of small
scale miners. Around 41% of the 128 participants say that ergonomic hazards can possibly
cause physical deformity. Around 38% gave other possible effects of ergonomic hazards
on their health such as body pain.
According to the study of Leung (2008), cough and muscle or joint pains are the
leading health complaints among the small scale miners and that the incidence of these
health conditions is much higher among the small scale miners as compared to the general
population.
Also, caused by repetitive tasks and having awkward position (constrained posture)
while working, there is overloading of particular group of muscles which causes weakness
, heaviness, numbness, and ‘pins and needles’ sensation (Hudtohan and Valderrama, 2011).
Biological
Table 29: Generation of hazardous wastes

f %
Yes 73 57.03%
No 55 42.97%
TOTAL 128
Table 29 show the perception of the small scale miners if they generate hazardous
waste in their workplace. Around 57% of them say that they do generate hazardous wastes
in their workplace.
Table 30: Perceived effects of hazardous wastes

f %
None 7 5.47%
Gen. health problem 93 72.66%
Others 2 1.56%
n/a 19 14.84%
Table 30 shows the perceived effects of hazardous wastes of the health of small
scale miners. Almost 73% say that these wastes can cause generalized health problems.
According to the study of Catapang-Louisa. (2015), mining production was
associated with higher population pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) incidence rates. Similar
results were observed for TB prevalence and mortality, as well as with alternative measures
of mining activity (Stuckler, Basi McKee, & Lurie, 2011).
Table 31: Presence of rules on proper waste disposal

f %
Yes 110 85.94%
No 17 13.28%
n/a 1 0.78%
TOTAL 128
Table 31 show the percentage of small scale miners who have rules on proper waste
disposal in their workplace. Almost 86% of the small scale miners has rules on proper
waste disposal.
Almost 24% of them does segregation and almost 11% makes sure that their tunnels
and camps are clean and free of garbage. According to some miners, their garbage could
be a cause of gas build up inside the tunnel if left there. This is why they are being strict
about leaving garbage inside their tunnels.
Psycho-social risks
Table 32: Psycho-social risks

WORK AS EXTREME STRESS
BURDENSOME PRESSURE
f % f % f %
Yes 107 83.59% 93 72.66% 68 53.13%
No 21 16.41% 35 27.34% 60 46.88%
TOTAL 128 128 128
Table 32 shows the psycho-social risks that may affect the health of the small scale
miners. Almost 84% of the small scale miners consider their work as very burdensome and
laborious, almost 73% feel extreme pressure in doing their tasks, and around 53% feel
emotional stress at work.
According to the miners, they feel the stress and pressure when they do not have
production or a gold product to sell yet they worked so hard. Since their income is
dependent on how much production they have as a group, if they do not have a production,
then they do not also have any income for that given time.
Table 33: Perceived effects of emotional stress

f %
None 21 16.41%
Physical disease 46 35.94%
Others 18 14.06%
n/a 27 21.09%
Table 33 shows the perceived effects of emotional stress on a person. Almost 34%
say that emotional stress can possible cause physical diseases. Around 14% stated other
possible effects of emotional stress on a person such as loss of focus and motivation to
work.
Correlation among variables
Age and health behavior
Table 34: Correlation of age and health behavior

HEALTH AGE
BEHAVIOR
18-25 26-40 41-60 >61 Total
Smoking Behavior
Yes 13 19 16 1 49
No 28 31 19 0 78
Alcohol drinking behavior
Yes 37 46 30 1 114
No 4 4 5 0 13
Betel nut chewing
Yes 31 34 17 0 82
No 10 16 18 1 45
Drug use
Yes 1 3 6 0 10
No 40 47 29 1 117
Sexual activity
Yes 8 16 10 0 34
No 33 34 25 1 93
Gambling behavior
Yes 14 12 11 1 38
No 27 38 24 0 89
Use of dangerous equipment
Yes 7 12 13 0 32
No 34 38 22 1 95
Regular exercise
Yes 21 23 12 1 57
No 20 27 23 0 70
Skipping meals
Yes 13 26 20 0 59
No 28 24 15 1 68
Table 33 shows the correlation of the age of the small scale miners and their health
risk behaviors.
For their smoking behavior, the obtained p value (p=0.37) is greater than the critical
value (p=0.05), therefore the null hypothesis is accepted. There is no significant
relationship between the age of the small scale miners and their smoking behavior.
For their alcohol drinking behavior, the obtained p value (p=0.80) is greater than
the critical value (p=0.05), therefore the null hypothesis is accepted. This means that there
is no significant relationship between the age of the small scale miners and their alcohol
drinking behavior.
For their betel nut chewing behavior, the obtained p value (p=0.04) is less than the
critical value (p=0.05), therefore the null hypothesis is rejected. This means that there is a
significant relationship between the age of the small scale miners and their betel nut
chewing behavior.
For their drug use, the obtained p value (p=0.10) is greater than the critical value
(p=0.05), therefore the null hypothesis is accepted. This means that there is no significant
relationship between the age of the small scale miners and their betel nut chewing behavior.
The obtained p value (p=0.53) between the miners’ age and unprotected or unsafe
sexual activity is greater than the critical value (p=0.05), therefore the null hypothesis is
accepted. This means that there is no significant relationship between the age of the small
scale miners and their unprotected or unsafe sexual activity.
For their gambling behavior, the obtained p value (p=0.31) is greater than the
critical value (p=0.05), therefore the null hypothesis is accepted. This means that there is
no significant relationship between the age of the small scale miners and their gambling
behavior.
The obtained p value (p=0.22) between the miners’ age and their use of dangerous
equipment without training is greater than the critical value (p=0.05), therefore the null
hypothesis is accepted. This means that there is no significant relationship between the age
of the small scale miners and their use of dangerous equipment without training.
The obtained p value (p=0.32) between the miners’ age and if they do regular
exercises is greater than the critical value (p=0.05), therefore the null hypothesis is
scale miners and if they do regular exercises.
The obtained p value (p=0.08) between the miners’ age and whether they skip meals
while working is greater than the p critical value (p=0.05), therefore the null hypothesis is
scale miners and whether they skip meals while working.
State of employment vs. Working environment
Table 34: Correlation between the state of employment of miner and their working
environment
WORKING STATE OF EMPLOYMENT
ENVIRONMENT
FACTOR
Operator/ Worker Others Total

Owner
Exposure to loud noise

Yes 18 77 2 97
No 7 24 0 31
Exposure to high temperature
Yes 22 74 1 97
No 3 27 1 31
Exposure to vibration
Yes 22 76 2 100
No 3 25 0 28
Exposure to fumes/ gases
Yes 15 47 0 62
No 10 54 2 66
Exposure to chemicals
Yes 15 42 2 59
No 5 45 0 50
No answer 5 14 0 19
Exposure to dust
Yes 24 84 1 109
No 1 17 1 19
Use of old tools and equipment
Yes 17 61 1 79
No 8 38 1 47
No answer 0 2 0 2
Assuming awkward position
Yes 19 76 2 97
No 6 25 0 31
Exposure to repetitive and monotonous tasks
Yes 23 84 2 109
No 2 15 0 17
No answer 0 2 0 2
Generation of hazardous wastes
Yes 12 61 0 73
No 13 40 2 55
Consider work as burdnsome and laborious
Yes 22 84 1 107
No 3 17 1 21
Feel extreme pressure

Yes 20 72 1 93
No 5 29 1 35
Feel emotional stress
Yes 16 51 1 68
No 9 50 1 60
Table 34 shows the correlation of the state of employment of the small scale miners
and their working environment.
For their exposure to loud noise, the obtained p value (p=0.66) is greater than the
no significant relationship between the state of employment of the small scale miners and
their exposure to loud noise.
For their exposure to high temperature in their workplace, the obtained p value
(p=0.21) is greater than the critical value (p=0.05), therefore the null hypothesis is
accepted. This means that there is no significant relationship between the state of
employment of the small scale miners and their exposure to high temperature
For their exposure to vibration in their workplace, the obtained p value (p=0.29) is
greater than the critical value (p=0.05), therefore the null hypothesis is accepted. This
means that there is no significant relationship between the state of employment of the small
scale miners and their exposure to vibration.
For their exposure to fumes or gases in their workplace, the obtained p value
(p=0.19) is greater than the critical value (p=0.05), therefore the null hypothesis is
accepted. There is no significant relationship between the state of employment of the small
scale miners and their exposure to fume or gases.
For their exposure to chemicals in their workplace, the obtained p value (p=0.11)
is greater than the critical value (p=0.05), therefore the null hypothesis is accepted. This
scale miners and their exposure to chemicals.
For their exposure to dust in their workplace, the obtained p value (p=0.10) is
greater than the critical value (p=0.05), therefore the null hypothesis is accepted. This
scale miners and their exposure to dust.
The obtained p value (p=0.90) between the state of employment of small scale
miners and their use of old tools and equipment in their workplace is greater than the
their use of old tools and equipment.
The obtained p value (p=0.72) between the state of employment of small scale
miners and whether they assume awkward positions while working is greater than the
critical value (p=0.05), therefore the null hypothesis is accepted. There is no significant
relationship between the state of employment of the small scale miners and whether they
assume awkward positions while working.
For their exposure to repetitive and monotonous tasks while working, the obtained
p value (p=0.78) is greater than the critical value (p=0.05), therefore the null hypothesis is
accepted. This means that there is no significant relationship between the state of
employment of the small scale miners and their exposure to repetitive and monotonous
tasks while working.
The obtained p value (p=0.14) between the state of employment of the small scale
miners and their generation of hazardous wastes in their workplace is greater than the
their generation of hazardous wastes in their workplace.
miners and if they consider their work as burdensome and laborious is greater than the
critical value (p=0.05), therefore the null hypothesis is accepted. There is no significant
relationship between the state of employment of the small scale miners and if they consider
their work as burdensome and laborious.
miners and whether they feel extreme pressure in their workplace is greater than the critical
value (p=0.05), therefore the null hypothesis is accepted. This means that there is no
significant relationship between the state of employment of the small scale miners and
whether they feel extreme pressure in their workplace.
miners and whether they feel emotional stress in their workplace is greater than the
no significant relationship between the state of employment of the small scale miners
and whether they feel emotional stress in their workplace.

Focused Group Discussion
The focused group discussion focused mainly on three topics. These include the
learnings/reflections of the participants during the presentation, the importance of
discussing health and safety of the small scale miners, and lastly, how the participants
perceive responsible mining in terms of health.
Table 1. Learnings or reflections during the presentation

BASIC THEMES ORGANIZING THEMES GLOBAL THEMES
Hazard prevention Safety measures with Miners should be
especially with the use of regards to mining should be equipped with enough
chemicals like Mercury in kept in mind at all times. knowledge and proper
mining is important. tools in order to observe
There should be proper the safety measures
precaution inside and needed with regards to
outside of the mining site. mining so as not to
compromise health and
Safekeeping of equipment lives of the miners.
is one way to make the
workplace clean and safe.
Go back to traditional way Panning is a safer method

of mining (panning) to use for mining.
instead of using mercury.
There is lack of There is lack of equipment

equipment, tools and other and tools especially for
personal protective safety and protection of the
equipment among miners. miners.
Miners should have more Knowledge on precautions,

knowledge on safety first aid, and responsible
precautions & responsible mining should be
mining. reinforced through
There is lack of training/ training/seminars.
seminars regarding first
aid.
There should be no Health is very important

drinking of alcoholic aspect of every miner in the
beverage before entering community.
the mines.
If feeling sick, go have a

check-up right away.
Tree planting initiated by Activities that could help Being able to actively
the community is of help the improve the community participate in community
in bringing less should be participated by activities, especially in a
environmental destruction the community members. mining community, could
in mining communities. help the members be
Being active in barangay aware of the issues in the
activities like forums could community such as
be of great help in legalization of the mining
resolving and identifying activities, and possibly, be
issues within the of help in solving some of
community. these problems like tree
planting to lessen the
Legalization of mining Legalization of mining environmental destruction
activities was mentioned. activities is important to the brought about by mining.
miners because this is their
source of income.
Generally, the participants learned that miners should have as much knowledge as possible
about what mining is all about, and its effects on health, to the community, and to the
environment as well. They were able to see the importance of protective equipment as
safety precaution while they work. They were able to point out the importance of active
participation in community activities which could improve their community in general
(Table 1).
Table 2. Importance of discussing health and safety of the small scale miners
BASIC THEMES ORGANIZING THEMES GLOBAL THEME
It is important to talk about Talking about health and It is important to talk about
health and safety of small safety generally increases the health and safety of the small
scale miners to have knowledge of the small scale scale miners because it
additional knowledge miners about this matter increases their knowledge on
regarding these. which could help them how to achieve good health
Precautions before working greatly ensure wellness and and safety at work to be able
in mines is an important safety. to provide for their family
knowledge needed by small financially, and it also gives
scale miners. them the opportunity to
This will increase their discuss with involved
knowledge on the effects of agencies about problems
chemicals on health. encountered with regards to
This is a way for each one of mining.
the miners to learn from each
other about health and safety.
They also see this as an
opportunity to learn where
and how to get help in case
they would need it.
This can help miners Having to talk about health
maintain good health to be and safety generally gives
able to work for more years them the chance to provide
for their family. financially for their family by
Talking about health and avoiding accidents in work
safety enable miners to avoid and by being healthy.
accidents and maximize
health. (2)
Not all of the rules and This is a way for small scale
regulations with regards to miners and agencies
mining is applicable involved to discuss problems
especially to small scale and issues encountered by
miners. the miners regarding some
Talking about this gives them rules and regulations, as well
the chance to identify as those concerning health
problems regarding health and safety, and hopefully
and safety and relay their find solutions to these.
concerns to other agencies
that can help them.
The participants were able to identify that it is important to discuss health and safety of
small scale miners because of the amount of knowledge they could gain in these
discussions, especially when it comes to the safety measures needed when mining and the
effects of mining on health. It was also mentioned that being healthy means being able to
work, which could provide for their families financially. Being able to discuss health and
safety also means that they could identify problems within the mining community as a unit,
come up with a solution as a group, and possibly consult agencies involved which could
help them resolve issues regarding health and safety (Table 2.).
Table 3. Responsible mining in terms of health

BASIC THEMES ORGANIZING THEMES GLOBAL THEMES
Use complete personal Following safety measures Responsible mining in

protective equipment such is one way of how miners terms of health is perceived
as helmet, spotlight, gloves, view responsible mining. as following necessary
gas mask and boots at the precautionary measures
mining sites. (3) during mining activities,
being healthy by avoiding
As a miner, discipline as to chemical use, smoking, and
following safety alcohol drinking, and
precautions should always responding to the
be in mind. environmental destructions
brought about by mining in
All equipment to be used the communities.
should be in good shape to
prevent injuries.
Concreting, use of ripraps

or portals with timber can
lessen the bad effects of
mining on the environment,
as well as provide good
support/foundation for
mining sites, preventing
any accidents.
Smoking and drinking

alcohol should be seized
especially before entering
the mines to be able to
prevent any accidents that
might be caused by
smoking and alcohol
intoxication.
Mercury should not be used Staying healthy by

in mining to prevent health- avoiding chemicals harmful
related incidences with use to the body shows
of mercury. responsible mining in terms
of health;mas a result,
Smoking and drinking being able to provide for
alcohol should be seized to the family.
improve health in general.
Being able to provide for

your family enough to
build a happy home is an
indication of a healthy
miner.
Tree planting should be Being mindful of the

done to at least lessen the effects on mining in the
bad effects of mining on environment, which would
the environment, as well as most likely have a great
to have a better impact on health, and
environment. taking necessary actions
about these effects, also
Waste management should shows responsible mining.
be observed to contribute to
the conservation of the
environment.
Table 3 shows the perception of the participants regarding responsible mining in terms of
health. It was noted that being able to follow precautionary measures during mining,
avoiding chemical use and vices, and taking action regarding the environmental destruction
caused by mining are the characteristics of responsible mining. All of which have a great
impact on the health of the miners as well as the people belonging to the mining
community.
CONCLUSIONS
As to the results above, the following conclusion can be stated:
Demographic characteristic of small scale miners
1. Most of the small scale miners are from ages 26 to 40 years old.
2. Almost half the small scale miners are Kankana-ey.
3. More than half of the small scale miners are Roman Catholic.
4. Most of the small scale miners are married.
5. Almost all of the small scale miners are members of a small scale miners’ association
and almost all of them have been members of their association for a month to 10 years.
6. Most of the small scale miners are high school graduates.
7. Most of the small scale miners have been working in the mines for more than 10
years and more than half of them started working in the mines at the age of 18 to 25 years
old.
8. Almost all of the small scale miners work as an all-around, which means that they
do tunneling and blasting, crushing ore, ball milling, cyanide leaching, smelting, and
panning.
9. Almost all of the small scale miners are workers.
Health behavior of small scale miners
1. Less than half of the small scale miners smoke or have tried smoking, but almost all
drink alcohol or have tried drinking and more than half chew betel nut or have tried it. Only
few use drugs or have tried using drugs. And, most of the miners started with their vices
when they were less than 18 to 25 years old.
2. Most of the small scale miners do engage in unprotected sexual activity, gamble, and
use dangerous equipment without training; however, more than half of them do not have
regular exercise outside their work and almost half skip meals when working.
Occupational Health Services and Primary Health
1. Almost all of the small scale miners use helmet and boots when working and more
than half use gloves, however; only some use spotlight and mask. These protective gears
and equipment are usually bought by them using their personal money.
2. Less than half of the small scale has first aid kit in their camps or workplace.
3. More than half of the small scale miners have rules being implemented in their
workplace regarding their health and safety.
4. More than half of the small scale miners go to a health facility when sick.
5. Almost half of the small scale miners think that the government has a role in
protecting the miners’ health.
Working Environment
1. Almost all of the small scale miners are exposed to loud noise, high temperature, and
vibration in their workplace. Less than half of the small scale miners think that exposure
to loud noise can cause loss of hearing and that exposure to high temperature can cause
body cramps.
2. Less than half of the small scale miners are exposed to fumes or gases and chemicals;
however, almost all of them are exposed to dust. Almost half of the small scale miners
think that exposure to fumes or gases and chemicals can cause death and less than half of
them think than it can cause sickness. Almost all of them, however, think that exposure to
dust can cause sickness.
3. Almost all of the small scale miners have a separate place for eating and restricted
place for chemicals in their workplace.
4. More than half of the small scale miners are exposed to ergonomic hazards. Almost
half of them think that exposure to ergonomic hazards can cause physical deformity.
5. More than half of the small scale miners think that they do generate hazardous wastes
in their workplace and almost all of them think that these wastes can cause generalized
health problems. In relation, almost all of the small scale miners have rules on proper waste
disposal being implemented in their workplace.
6. Almost all of the small scale miners consider their work as burdensome and laborious
and feel extreme pressure to finish their task, and half of them feel emotionally stress in
their workplace. And most of them think that emotional stress can lead to a physical
disease.
Correlation
1. Only betel nut chewing showed a significant relationship with age of the small scale
miners.
2. The state of employment of the small scale miners has no significant relationship on
the working environment factors.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the health behavior of the small scale miners observed, most of them
engage in vices such as smoking, alcohol drinking, and betel nut chewing. The small scale
miners are advised to avoid such vices since these increase the probability of acquiring
diseases in the long run. Instead, find other hobbies to help improve health status.
Also, as stated in the part of working environment factors, not all of the miners are
aware of the effects on their of their exposure to occupational hazards. It is recommended
that the local government unit (LGU), especially at the barangay level, RHUs to have an
extensive program on information dissemination regarding the harmful effects on health
of different occupational hazards and other health safety precautions such as first aids and
many more. Regular seminars or training are essential to discuss to the miners what are the
hazards they are involved with. Moreover, instructional materials such as posters,
pamphlets, flyers and the like could also be a way to increase and raise awareness of the
public and miners.
Also, we recommend further studies regarding the health risk assessment of miners
in Itogon as well as to consider a more diverse type of interview questions and greater
number of miners be interviewed.

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Issues 1–4, Pages 25-36
Laking, J. (2017, July 19). Intense rains mask release of mining wastes to Agno. Baguio
Midland Courier, pp. 1, 33.
Leung, A. M. R., & Lu, J. L. D. (2016). Environmental Health and Safety Hazards of
Indigenous Small-Scale Gold Mining Using Cyanidation in the Philippines. Environmental
Health Insights, 10, 125–131. http://doi.org/10.4137/EHI.S38459
Hentschel, T., Hruschka, F., and Priester, M. (2003). Artisanal and Small Scale Mining.
Projekt-Consult GmbH. International Institute for Environment and Development and
WBCSD
History of Itogon. Retrived from http://itogon.gov.ph/index.php/general-

information/history# on July 12, 2017.
Itogon Quick Facts. Department of the Interior and Local Government. Retrieved from
http://www.dilgcar.com/index.php/2015-07-10-07-24-09/municipality-of-itogon on July
11, 2017
Mining Facts and Figures. Mines and Geosciences Bureau. Retrieved from
http://www.mgb.gov.ph/images/homepage-images/mining-facts-and-figures-------
updated-January-2017.pdf on July 10, 2017.
APPENDIX
(a) Consent Form
June 26, 2017
Dear Sir/Madam,
Naimbag nga aldaw!
Dakami ni Dr. Eleonor Baldo-Soriano ken Jo Ann L. Guillao, researchers ti Luke

Foundation. Ada ti research mi nga panggep iti Occupational health Assessment ti Small
Scale Miners ti Itogon, Benguet. Ti gapo na daytoy nga panagadal ket tapnu maamuan nu
inya ti kasasaad ti salun-at dagiti small scale miners ditoy Itogon, Benguet. Inya man nga
resulta na daytoy nga research ket mausar iti panagbukel kadagiti rekomendasyon wenno
plano para iti programa nga pagsayaatan ti salun-at dagiti minero.
Kayat mi man nga dawaten ti pammalubos yu nga mainterbyu para iti daytoy nga research.
Ket nu umannamong kayo, ada ti naisagana mi nga Survey Questionnaire nga
masungbatan. Daytoy ket boluntaryo. Nu ada man ti saludsod nga haan yu kayat nga
sungbatan wenno ibabawi yu ti interview ket maawatan mi.
Anya man nga impormasyon nga maibaga yu ditoy interbyu ket irespeto mi ken mausar
lang para daytoy nga research/confidential. Haan nga agparang ti nagan yu idjay
maaramid nga final report wenno dadduma pay nga report. Idawat mi lang nga palubusan
yo dakami kuma nga nu inya man dagiti importante nga kapanunutan ket isu ti isuratmi.
Kayat mi met lang nga ibaga nga awan iti makita mi nga pagdaksan na daytoy nga
research kadakayo ket pagyamanan mi ti partisipasyon yu.
Daytoy nga research ket dinmalan iti review ken inapruban ti Cordillera Regional Health
Research and
Development Committee. Nu adda man ti salusud yu, mabalin nga ikontak yu ni:
Dr. Eleanor Cuarte

CRHRDC ERC chair
Contact # 09176070992
Department of Pediatrics, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center
#1 Gov Pack Rd, Baguio City
Sapay kuma ta daytoy nga research ket makatulong para iti pagsaya-atan ti minero ken
komunidad ti Itogon. Inya man nga resulta ti research ket maisubli ken maipresenta
kadakayo.
Agyaman kami iti oras yu ken partisipasyon yu iti daytoy nga research.
Sincerely yours,
_____________________ _____________
Dr. Eleonor Baldo-Soriano Jo Ann L. Guillao
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CERTIFICATE OF CONSENT
I have read the foregoing information, or it has been read to me. I have had the
opportunity to ask questions about it and any questions that I have asked have been
answered to my satisfaction. I consent voluntarily to participate as a participant in this
research.
(Nabasak wenno inbasa da kanyak daytoy nga panagdawat ti consent. Nasungbatan ti
inya man nga saludsod ko ket ited ko ti pammalubos nga mainterbyu ak para iti daytoy
nga research.)
Print Name of Statement by the researcher/person taking
Participant__________________ consent
I have accurately read out the information
Signature of Participant sheet to the potential participant, and to the
___________________ best of my ability made sure that the
participant understands that the following
Date ___________________________ will be done:
Day/month/year 1. He/ she will be asked to take some time
for an interview
2. He/ she will be interviewed using a
If illiterate questionnaire
I have witnessed the accurate reading of 3. He/ she may be invited to participate in a
the consent form to the potential focus group discussion/ small group
participant, and the individual has had meeting/ follow –up interview
the opportunity to ask questions. I
confirm that the individual has given I confirm that the participant was given an
consent freely. opportunity to ask questions about the
study, and all the questions asked by the
Print name of witness participant have been answered correctly
_____________________ and to the best of my ability. I confirm that
the individual has not been coerced into
Signature of witness giving consent, and the consent has been
______________________ given freely and voluntarily.
Date ________________________ q A copy of this informed consent form

Day/month/year has been provided to the participant.
AND Thumb print of participant
Printed Name of Researcher/person taking
the consent ________________
Signature of Researcher /person taking the

consent ___________________
Date ___________________________
Day/month/year
(b) Questionnaire
Note: This form contains information that requires consent from the Q#
respondents. Any sensitive issues must be treated with respect and
confidentiality.
Section A: Socio – Demographic Characteristics (Please put a check mark before

choices)
1. Name /Nagan 2. 3. Sex:
(optional) Age/Tawen
:
4. Ethnicity/ Tribal 5. 6. Marital

affiliation/Tribo: Religion/Re Status:
lihyon: ___Single ____Married
___Widow/er ___Others
____________
7. Work site address: 8. 9. Provincial

Present address/ place of origin
Address: (Anya ti nagapuan yu
nga ili)?
10. a) Membership in a small 11. How long have you been

scale miners’ association a member (Kasano kayo
(Myembro kayo ba ti kabayag nga myembro)?
asosasyon?): qYes qNo
b) Name of Association: 12. Position in the
Association (Posisyon):
13. Highest qNone q Some High qTech/ Voc

Educational q Some School qOthers: ___________
level Elementary qHigh School
Attained: qElementary q Some College
qCollege
14. Number of years in small 15. What age did you start doing small scale
scale mining (Mano nga mining? (Mano tawen yo idi nagrugi kayo nga
tawen yo en iti panagminas?) nag trabaho ditoy minas?) (Get actual age
_____0-12 months then check corresponding age bracket)
____7-10yrs __________________
_____1-3 yrs ____ < 18 ____ 18-25 ____ 26- 40
____>10 yrs ____41-60
_____ 4-6yrs _____>60
16. Activities engaged in:
___Tunneling and blasting (Ag- ___Smelting and Refining (Ag – luto)

usok ken agbung-bong) ___Panning (Ag – dayas)
___Crushing ore (Agburak ti ___Others
naba) _________________________________
___Ball milling and gravity
concentration (Ag – giling)
___Cyanide Leaching (Ag – agas)
17. Average No. of hours 18. Average No. of days working per week:
working per day :
19. Status of employment: qOperator/ Owner qWorker qOthers:
Section B: Health Behaviour

1. a) Do you smoke or have you b) If yes, age when you started smoking:
ever smoked? qYes qNo _________
c) Number of sticks per day: _____ d) Year
stopped: ______
2. a) Do you drink or have you b) If yes, If yes, age when you started drinking:
ever drunk alcohol? (Ag in inom _________
kau kadi wenno napadasan yu c) Amount of alcohol intake (Mamin-ano ken mano
nga aginom iti arak?) qYes qNo ti maibos yo no ag inom kayo?): (glasses/ bottles of
beer/ gin x days per week: _____ ______________
d) Year stopped: ________
3. a) Do you chew betel nut or b) If yes, age when you started: _________
have you ever chewed betel nut? c) Year stopped: ______
qYes qNo
4. a) Have you ever used illegal b) If yes, age when you started: _________
drugs (lifetime) (Agus-usar c) Type of substance: _____ d) Year stopped:
wenno napadasan yun nga ______
nagusar iti maiparit nga droga?)
? qYes qNo
5. Have you engaged in unprotected/unsafe sex? (Napadasan yo kadi nga qYes qNo
nakidenna iti haan yo nga sigurado nga babae/lalake ken/ wenno haan
nga nag usar iti condom?)
6. Do you play lottery, or any gambling activity, such as playing in a qYes qNo
casino or cock fighting?
(Agay-ayam kayo ba ti sugal, mainayon ti panagtaya ti lotto, panagay-
ayam ijay casino wenno panagpallot?)
7. Have you ever used potentially dangerous equipment at work without qYes qNo
training?
(Napadasan yun ba nga nagusar ti delikado nga equipment nga awan
training yu?)
8. Do you do regular exercise?/Do you have opportunities to do physical qYes qNo

exercise outside of your work?
(Add ba ti panawen yu nga agexercise nu haan nga oras ti trabaho?);
Specify:
9.What does your diet usually consist of (Anya ti kanayon yu nga

kankanen nu pannangan):
10. Do you skip meals when at work? (Maliwayan yo kadi iti mangan no qYes qNo
adda kau iti trabaho?)
Section C: Access to Health Services

Occupational Health Services and Primary Care
1. How did you learn to do small scale mining? (Kasano kayo nga naka –
adal nga ag small scale mining?)
2. a) What protective equipment do you use at work?
b) Who provided this equipment?
c) Is this equipment adequate? qYes qNo
3. Are there First Aid kit/s available in your workplace? (Adda kadi iti qYes qNo
First Aid Kit iti pagtatrabahoan yo?)
4. What do you do in case of an accident or injury at work?
5. a) Are there any rules on health and safety being implemented in the workplace?
(Adda ba dagiti regulasyon maipanggep iti salun-at nga mai-implementar ditoy
pagtatrabahoan yo?) qYes qNo
b) What are these rules (Anya dagitoy nga regulasyon?):
__________________________________________________________
c) Are there any prohibited food or activities due to your work? (Adda ba dagiti
maiparit nga makan wenno aramiden gapu iti trabaho yu?)
6. Where do you go when you are sick? (Papapanan yo no agsakit kayo?)
7. Where is the nearest health facility (Ayanna iti kaasidegan nga health center/
hospital/ clinic ditoy?)
8. a) Does the government have a role in protecting the health of miners? qYes qNo
(Adda ba ti biyang/ aken ti gobyerno tapnu maprotektaran ti salun-at
dagiti minero?)
b) If yes, how? (No wen, kas ano?); If no, why (No haan, apay?)
Section D: Working Environment (The following questions are adapted from Eyayo
(2014)
Physical
1. Are you regularly exposed to a high level of noise in your workplace? qYes qNo
(Kanayon kayo ba nga makadengngeg ti napigsa nga uni/
’’ngalawngaw’’ ijay pagtrabahuan yu?)
2. What could possibly happen as a result of exposure to loud noise?
(Anya ti mabalin nga resulta ti kanayon nga makangkanggeg ti napigsa
nga uni wenno ngalawngaw?) qLoss of hearing qNone qI don’t know
qOthers
3. Are you exposed to objects or conditions with high temperature? (Ijay qYes qNo
trabaho yu, masapul yu ba nga nga ag-eggen ti napudot wenno
mapadasan ti napudot la unay nga kondisyon?)
4. What is the possible effect of extreme heat to the body? qBody cramps
qNone qI don’t know qOthers
(Anya ti mabalin nga epekto ti napudot la unay nga kondisyon iti bagi
yu?)
5. Do you use machines/ equipment that vibrate? Does your workplace qYes qNo
shake as a result of vibration from workplace machines and equipment?
(Agusar kayo ba ti equipment nga aggungungun wenno aggungungun ba
ti pagtrabahuan yu gapu ti makina?)
Chemical
Fumes/ Gases Chemicals
6. Are these present in your workplace? (Adda ba qYes qNo qYes qNo
dagitoy ijay pagtatrabahuan yu?)
7. What are these? (Anya dagitoy?)
8. Are these flammable, poisonous or corrosive? qYes qNo qYes qNo

(Dagitoy ba nga gas/ chemical ket nalaka nga ag-
apoy, maka – poison wenno makatunaw?)
9. Are these inhaled, ingested, injected and spill qYes qNo qYes qNo
over your skin?
(Dagitoy ba nga gas/ chemical ket mabalin a
malang-ab, makan/ umuneg ken maisagid iti
kudil?
10. What are the possible effects of gases/ chemicals to your body/ health? (Anya ti
mabalin nga epekto ti gas/ chemical iti bagi wenno salun – at?) qI can die qI can get
sick qNone qI don’t know qOthers
11. Are you exposed to dust? qYes qNo
(Exposed kayo kadi iti tapok?)
12. What are the possible effects of dust inhalation to your body/ health? (Anya ti
mabalin nga epekto ti panag – angsab ti tapok iti bagi wenno salun – at?) qI can get
sick qNone qI don’t know qOthers
13. a) Is there a separate place for eating in your work area? (Adda ba ti nakasina nga
lugar para ti pangangan) qYes qNo
b) Is there a restricted place for chemicals in your work area? (Adda ba ti
nakasina nga lugar para kadagiti chemical)? qYes qNo
Mechanical and Ergonomic

14. Do you use old q tools and/ or q equipment in your workplace? (Ag- qYes qNo
us-usar kayo ba ti daan nga tools/ equipment ijay pagtrabahuan yu?)
15. Do you assume an awkward position, for more than 30 minutes, in qYes qNo
doing your tasks?
(Nakatiritir wenno nakakubbo kadi ti posisyon yo no agtatrabaho kayo?)
16. In your work, do you do repetitive and monotonous tasks? (Ti ar- qYes qNo
aramiden yu ba jay trabaho yu ket paulit – ulit wenno isu nga isu?)
17. What possible effects can ergonomic hazards (awkward body position, repetitive
tasks) cause to your health? (Anya ti mabalin nga epekto ti salun-at yu nu nakakubbo
wenno nakatiritir ti bagi yu nu agtatrabaho kayo, wenno nu paulit - ulit nga isu ti ar-
aramiden yu?) qPhysical deformity qNone qI don’t know qOthers
Biological
18. Do you generate hazardous waste in your work? qYes qNo
(Adda ba ti delikado nga rugit wenno basura nga magapu kadagiti
tatrabahuen yu ?)
19. What are the possible effects of these hazardous wastes on your
health? (Anya ti mabalin nga epekto dagitoy da nga rugit/ basura iti
salun-at yo?) qGeneralized health problems qNone qI don’t know
qOthers
20. Do you have rules on proper waste disposal in your workplace? (Adda qYes qNo
kadi iti nasayaat nga paglintegan yo panggep iti basura?) If yes, give an
example:
Psycho-social risks
21. Do you consider your work as very burdensome and laborious? qYes qNo
(Maibaga yo kadi nga daytoy trabaho yo ket narigat ken nadagsen nga
trabaho?)
22. Are you in extreme pressure to do your task in the workplace? qYes qNo
(Makarikna kayo ba ti pressure nga palpasen ti trabaho yu?)
23. Do you feel that your work is emotionally demanding? Do you feel qYes qNo
stressed at work? (Maapekaran met lang ba ti emosyon yu ditoy trabaho
yu?) If yes, please ask how:
24. What are the possible effects of emotional stress on a person? (Anya ti qYes qNo
mabalin nga epekto ti “emotional stress” ti tao?) qPhysical disease
qNone qI don’t know qOthers
------------------ END OF QUESTIONNAIRE. PLEASE THANK THE PARTICIPANT

FOR HIS/ HER PARTICIPATION AND HONESTY! -----------------
___________________________________ _________________________
Enumerator (Signature over Printed Name) Date
(c) FGD Documentation
Team Climate Change

1. Learning from the seminar
EMPHASIZED BY SEVERAL MINERS
· Legalization of mining activities
- “Kayat me nga malegalize ti trabaho mi”
· Safety measures
- Hazard prevention (use of chemicals e.g. mercury)
- More knowledge on prevention
- There should be precaution inside and outside
- There is lack of training esp. First Aid Trainings à training is expensive
- Lack in monitoring if the training is followed
- Lack in supplies (equipment, tools, and PPEs)
· Community service
- Tree planting à less environmental destruction
- Be active in barangay activities (like the Forum)
- “Tumulong ti community”
** done by GACAI: putting up nursery, tree planting, and clean up drive
· More information regarding responsible mining
SUGGESTIONS FROM THE GROUP

· Strengthen the association→empower members = should be a focus
- Check attendance since same people from associations go to seminars →
Let different members go to trainings/ seminars or trained members should help
train those who lack training esp. basic concepts/ processes of mining
- Make sure that members would comply to their training
- One association (Lower ______ Association) trained their officers→ the
association prospered
- There should also be seminars for officers of associations
- There should be training agencies who would train miners esp. regarding
technical concepts/ processes of mining
2. Why do we need to talk about health and safety?

· To realize that health and safety is important (Safety first)
- Add to previous knowledge
- “malipatan ti salun-at”
- Precaution before working
· Know effects of chemicals (e.g. dynamites) on health
- “Bawal ang paggamit ng dynamite pero kailangan naman naming
gumamit. Kaming minero ang naiipit. à Dapat may benefit both sides (regarding
rules and regulations)”
· Not all rules and regulations are applicable to all mines (miners)
- Share experiences among miners
3. Responsible mining
· Protect yourself (Be healthy)
- Most important
- Go to mines healthy and safe (PPEs)
- “Haan nga mabalin nga ag-usar ti tools nga anya lang.”
· Community buildings
- Build a happy home (e.g. give money to wife, send children to school,
improve living situation)
- Go to church (thanksgiving)
· Environment (Documenter’s note: miners know importance of environmental
safety and effects of degradation)
- Tree planting
- Concreting (suggested by the miners) à could be used instead of tree
planting; more feasible
- Waste management: segregation, dispose “usal” in a way that no
community is affected
- Use ripraps or portals with timber
Team TARAKI
Guide Questions
1. What did you learn from the presentations? What was most striking for you?
Facilitator’s Notes
· Do traditional way (panning) instead of using mercury
· Secret to long life was doing “Series” – from the eldest miner
· No more drunk entry into the mines
· Need training for first aid annually – asked to the MHO
2. In your opinion, why do we need to talk about the health and safety of small scale
miners? Or do we even need to talk about it? Why do you think so?
· To be able to provide financially for the family
· Maintain health to be able to work for more years
· To save money
· To avoid accidents, and maximize health
· “Health is wealth”
3. What does responsible mining in terms of health?
· No more use of Mercury, observing proper personal protective equipment (PPE),
no drinking alcohol, no smoking leads to a happy miner, better environment,
better mountains with trees, which then eventually leads to financially able to
sustain family, able to send children to finish school, have a better home, more
money, and bigger house.
Team KidKid
1st question: "What did you learn from the presentations? What was most striking for you?"
1. Safety measures on using gas/fumes
2. Preventive measures that can be used such as the use of protective gears (helmet,
gloves, boots, spot)
3. Importance of safekeeping of equipment. (Tumatak yung image of a dirty vs
clean workplace sa kanila)
4. They agree to the suggestion of one of the participants about conducting monthly
meeting per association about the health and safety of the members. They would
like to push this forward in their own organizations.
5. Dont wait for sickness magpacheck-up agad
2nd question: “"In your opinion, why do we need to talk about the health and safety of ssm?
Or do we even need to talk about it? Why do you think so?"
*yes, we need to talk about it. Sana may monthly meeting para dito - so that we can
learn from each other - we dont want to die early - for future references - for our
own safety - so that we can learn where and how to get help in case we need it - so
that we can relay our concerns to other agencies that can help
3rd question: What is a responsible mining mean in terms of health?
*disciplined (follow rules on safety) - complete palagi ang protective gears (helmet,
spotlight, gloves, gas mask, boots) - body should be in good shape to lessen risk for
accidents (bawal uminom nu ag-entra) - equipment should also be in good shape to
prevent injuries -working environment should be clean, neat and with strong
support (use concrete timbers for tunnels, proper disposal of waste)
Team Lady Miners
The discussion started with the introduction of the research. That this is research will focus
on the health and safety of small scale miners in Itogon particularly the 7 mining barangays,
Tuding, Loakan, Ampucao, Virac, Gumatdang, Poblacion and Ucab. That this research is
under Luke Foundation in partnership with DOH. This will be conducted by the 5
enumerators with the help of medical students from Manila.
Lady 1: Nagado ngay ti researches nga nangnangyari ditoy idi. Jay daduma ket inaramid
metlng ti taga UP. Ket uray no maysa ket awan ti nag feedback ti anyaman nga resulta na
dagijay. Siguro, pang 4th or 5th daytoy en.
It was explained to them that giving them a feedback is actually our commitment in this
research. We promise that whatever results we gather, we will share it with them.
Lady 2: Actually, adda piman ti nag feedback nga 1 ngem anya ngay ti next ijay? Adda
result ti research ngem what’s next?
After assuring them about the significance of this research, Team Lady Miners agreed to
sign the consent form to join the FGD.
Lunch Break
A question was also asked: Anya ngay naadal tayo or naawatan tayo kadagijay in discuss
ti presenters tattay?
Lady 1: Kailangan tayo nga nasalun at nga kanayon. Avoid using chemicals if possible.
Other ladies agreed.
Question: Anya dagitoy chemicals nga kailangan nga isardeng?
Lady 4: Cyanide, mercury and others.
Question: Anya ti effect na ti chemicals kanyatayo or adda ba na experience tayo or am
ammo tayo nga naapektaran iti dagitoy nga chemicals?
Lady 4: Adda daduma nga nabayag iti panateng da ken makaala da sakit ti kudil. Ken
syempre, daduma pay nga haan da nga ammo.
They presented their view on responsible mining through drawing.

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Balitoc: Occupational Health Hazard and Risk Assessment of Small-Scale Miners in Barangay Virac, Itogon, Benguet

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“Balitoc:” Occupational Health Hazard and Risk Assessment of Small-Scale

Miners in Barangay Virac, Itogon, Benguet

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Regionalization Program of

Barrientos, Nyka Noelle B. (Post LU-III)

Keywords: small-scale mining, occupational health, health awareness, cross-sectional study,

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

reserves(Jennings, Forbes Asia). Furthermore, based on Mines and Geosciences Bureau's

The province of Benguet hosts numerous large-scale and small-scale mining

inside a basin (Dangla, 2017)

“Gold haven” in the Cordillera Administrative Region (Municipality of itogon). It has a

as mining by individuals, groups, families or cooperatives with minimal or no

made to define small-scale mining. Nevertheless, it is characterized by a number of

conditions as follows: a) Lack of mechanization, and demanding work physically b) Low

g) Insufficient consideration of environmental issues h) working without legal titles.

(Hentschel, Hruschka, & Priester, 2003).

had no preventive/safety measures for workforce – non-use of personal protective

indicator of a country: small-scale mining is poverty related (Hentschel, Hruschka, &

damage to communities as well as marine life. (Laking, 2015)

3% GDP, it is imperative to investigate the occupational health status of Itogon small-scale

gold miners to implement appropriate occupational safety practices, policies and

safeguards that would lessen the burden.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Mining is considered as the most hazardous occupation. Considering the above

aforementioned background on mining, it is still largely unregulated sector in the country

Specifically the study answered the following questions:

regards to their current occupational health status?

to their general health and well being?

community interventions that can result to better occupational health

services for small scale miners.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

scale miners in Virac, Itogon, Benguet. Specifically it aims to:

1. Provide the socio – demographic characteristics of small scale miners included in

2. Describe their working environment according to different occupational health

3. Describe health behavior,

4. Determine small-scale miners’ access to occupational health services and primary

5. Describe relationship of some variables through correlation analysis,

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

other factors concerning health awareness.

Time and Locale of the Study

topography is characterized to be mountainous with deep valleys and steep slopes. It is

having only 4 small scale miner associations (BENRO, 2010)

by Israel, 2009. Sample size was computed as follows:

According to the Benguet Environmental and Natural Resources Office (BENRO),

5939 small scale miners belonging to at least 31 organizations distributed in 7 barangays

confidence level and P=0.5, computation is a as follows:

to the computed sample size. Computation is as follows:

𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒 = 0.3473 × 368.20

extraction of minerals from a personal, family or corporate - subcontracted min, performing

prior to the commencement of the fieldwork and interviews.

DATA SOURCE OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

Table 1: Age of small scale miners

Table 2: Ethnicity of small scale miners

Also, 2% of them does not belong to an ethnic group.

Table 3: Religion of small scale miners

Iglesia ni Cristo 10 7.81%

Jehovah's Witness 2 1.56%

Roman Catholic 79 61.72%

Iglesia ni Cristo and almost 2% are Jehovah’s Witness.

Table 4: Marital status of small scale miners

Table 5: Membership in a small scale miners’ association.

barangay of Itogon where the mining sites are located.

Table 6: Length of membership in a small scale miners’ association