Manila: The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) announced that Executive Order (EO) 122 is poised to advance the nation's critical minerals industry, bolstering the Philippines' position in the global marketplace.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PNIA expressed gratitude towards President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his decisive policy direction. The association emphasized that as countries worldwide vie for critical minerals, investments, and technological advancements, the President's action signifies the Philippines' intent not only to engage in this global opportunity but to actively compete within it. EO 122, signed by Marcos on August 18, establishes a unified national policy framework aimed at the development of the country's critical minerals industry.

The executive order mandates the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to identify and assess new critical mineral deposits and proposes streamlining the mining permitting process via a virtual one-stop shop. The PNIA highlighted the importance of this directive, noting that enabling simultaneous rather than sequential processing is a promising step forward.

The PNIA also emphasized that while strong policy direction can build investor confidence, consistent implementation is key to sustaining it. The association views the executive order as an important signal to the global investment community, underscoring the need for faster, clearer, and more predictable processes on the ground to translate policy into action.

The Philippines is home to critical mineral resources that have drawn global interest, and the PNIA assured that the industry will collaborate with government agencies and communities to turn the framework into tangible progress. The PNIA reaffirmed its commitment to developing resources responsibly, upholding high environmental and social standards, and working with the government to ensure that this opportunity results in sustainable and inclusive growth for future generations of Filipinos.