<![CDATA[Gold mining in rural Philippines provides livelihood opportunities but has been associated with environmental degradation and health risks due to the use of mercury and cyanide in extraction processes. To address these concerns, the Green Mining Processing Facility Program for Small-Scale Mining was implemented through a university-led initiative to provide safer and more efficient gold recovery alternatives while reducing environmental impacts and operational costs. This study assessed the governance and adoption outcomes of the established pilot facilities and support systems. An ex-post and process evaluation approach was used, and data were collected through surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions involving miners, local government units, project implementers, and other stakeholders. Results indicated that the facilities were technically viable and had potential economic benefits for small-scale miners. However, utilization remained limited due to institutional and regulatory constraints, including unclear governance arrangements, operational management gaps, restrictions in facility use, and weak stakeholder engagement, rather than technological limitations. Strengthening governance systems, improving regulatory coordination, and establishing clear operational management structures are necessary to enhance adoption and ensure sustainable and safe gold extraction practices.]]>
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