In a historic leap toward sustainable resource management, the Municipality of Quirino was officially awarded its status as the first declared Minahang Bayan in the entire Ilocos Region. The ceremonial declaration was graced by Ilocos Sur Governor Hon. Jeremias “Jerry” Singson, who reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to balancing local economic growth with environmental protection. This pioneer achievement is the result of years of collaborative efforts among the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur, the LGU of Quirino led by Mayor Atty. Jemarose Gomintong, MGB Region I under Regional Director Engr. Carlos A. Tayag, PENRMO led by Sir Edgar I. Yabes, the NCIP, and local small-scale mining associations. Under Republic Act No. 7076 (People’s Small-Scale Mining Act), this formal designation transitions previously informal mining operations into legally monitored enterprises. With official regulatory oversight established, the LGU and MGB Region I will enforce strict workplace safety, fair economic practices, and proper environmental safeguards, positioning Quirino as a premier model for responsible small-scale mining across Northern Luzon.