Members of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) \u2013 composed primarily of the country\u2019s largest metallic mines \u2013 responded early to the pandemic, enabling them to effectively mitigate the risks of infection within and around their mines. In Carmen Copper Corporation\u2019s (CCC) mine in Toledo City, Cebu, for instance, the company secured its employees\u2019 livelihood by assuring continued salaries, providing assistance to protect their health, and setting up precautionary measures to reduce infection risks. CCC instituted flexible work arrangements, such as work-from-home options for non-critical employees and accommodations for workers directly involved in the mine and mill operations. The company also provided free service buses for commuting personnel as public transportation was halted during the lockdowns.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/JB01.png\")
<align=”align left”>With its health and safety protocols already in place, Carmen Copper Corporations was able to maintain full operations throughout 2020.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Health and safety measures were strictly implemented in the workplace such as social distancing and mandatory wearing of personal protective equipment. CCC also conducted regular disinfection and housekeeping of work areas and facilities.<\/p>\n CCC followed the \u201cTrace, Test and Treat\u201d strategy in managing the Covid-19 pandemic. The company\u2019s emergency responders and medical teams meticulously traced contacts people exposed to persons positive with Covid-19 and provided regular testing. It also established quarantine areas inside the mine site and provided nutritious meals, vitamins and supplements for workers who have been exposed to positive patients.<\/p>\n Thankful<\/strong><\/p>\n CCC\u2019s efforts to secure jobs and keep employees safe are being replicated by COMP member-firms across the country. These efforts have not gone unnoticed by their workforce.<\/p>\n \u201cDuring the onset of the pandemic, we did not report for work for 15 days,\u201d recalls Jordan Zamuco, a company driver at Philex Mining Corp.\u2019s Padcal Operations in Tuba, Benguet. \u201cWe were on on-call duty since there were company volunteer programs where our assistance to transport donations to our host and neighboring communities were needed. After 15 days, we were back on track; our work has been continuous since. There were instances when the skeletal workforce arrangement was necessary in our department but we were well compensated. We received our daily salary. What I am most thankful for are the continued benefits from the company that we received without delay.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am grateful to this company for continuing to provide benefits for us employees,\u201d says Mine Operations Group manager Benedict Gapongli. \u201cDespite this situation we are all facing, the company even gave us bonuses and salary increases.\u201d<\/p>\n None of Philex Padcal Mine\u2019s nearly 1,900 employees \u2013 majority of whom are from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), which posted a 25% unemployment rate at the start of the pandemic \u2013 were separated since the start of the pandemic. Same with the company\u2019s corporate offices in Mandaluyong, where some 80 employees are posted.<\/p>\n New Philex Mining Corp. (PMC) HR Senior Supervisor Luzbele Roxas, hired during the pandemic. PMC is part of the MVP Group of Companies.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n \u201cIn Philex, I can feel how agile the company is in adapting to the pandemic,\u201d shares Human Resources senior supervisor Luzbele Roxas. \u201cThe work-from-home setup and laptop subsidy keep me safe and make me productive at the same time. One of my key functions in HR is recruitment. I\u2019m well equipped to handle challenges in this function with the aid of digital solutions. Moreover, with De Los Santos Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, and other MVP partner medical institutions on my speed dial, I can confidently take care of our existing and prospective employees on their health needs. The work environment here in Philex is family oriented. Perhaps that\u2019s the reason why we have many long-tenured employees.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy work during this pandemic period has been most rewarding,\u201d says Keith Conrad Fabros, a shop clerk and tool keeper at Padcal\u2019s Mobile Equipment Department. \u201cI may have additional workload, but I am quite able to cope with it. I am thankful that despite this pandemic, I still have a steady job and my family and I are healthy. The company provides free medical benefits to employees, such as the random swab tests. This makes us and our families protected from the virus.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere are so many things to be thankful about being part of this wonderful company, of course with the directives and supervision of our beloved president, Mr. Eules Austin,\u201d says Irish Distor of Philex Mining Corp.\u2019s Information Technology Department. \u201cThank you very much, Sir! Mabuhay po kayo!\u201d <\/em><\/p><\/div>\n \u201cDuring these difficult times a lot of people lost their jobs. That is why I am most thankful to Philex for ensuring that I keep my job and bring food on the table, and for helping keep our families safe,\u201d says Irish Distor from Philex\u2019s Corporate Office. \u201cWe were given the tools we need to do our jobs and the flexibility to work from home. Philex also showed us how much they care for their employees when we were given flu and Covid-19 vaccines.\u201d<\/p>\n Lucky<\/strong><\/p>\n Benguet Corporation (BC), for its part, managed to secure the jobs of 1,433 employees in the company\u2019s head office and various projects. The company\u2019s gold operation in Itogon, Benguet managed to remain open even with the drastic decrease in the attendance of contract miners by 56%. Despite lower production, BC retained its 475 employees in its Baguio Gold Operation and is currently hiring for newly vacant positions.<\/p>\n \u201cAs the coronavirus continues to rapidly spread across the world, it is causing a considerable degree of anxiety, fear, and concern to all,\u201d says Mark Gallo, Human Resources assistant at BC\u2019s head office. \u201cHaving this in mind, the company has safeguarded the welfare of its employees by providing flexible working hours, shuttle services, regular RT PCR screening tests, vaccines, quarantine facilities, and other safety essentials to protect them from the infection. We are lucky.\u201d<\/p>\n The company\u2019s subsidiary, BenguetCorp Nickel Mines Inc (BNMI) greatly contributed to the increase of employment in Sta. Cruz, Zambales when it resumed mining last year. Since October 2020, BNMI contracted additional 704 employees for it nickel mining operation.<\/p>\n \u201cHearing news of unemployment in the country and closing down of many businesses in different industries, makes me realize to be grateful that I still have a secured job I can count on during these trying times to provide for my family,\u201d Gallo adds.<\/p>\n Roy Cale and 200 of his fellow workers and contractors at Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) were able to keep their jobs despite the pandemic. With his job secured, he and his nine teammates in the firm\u2019s Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement Team aim to produce up to 120,000 seedlings that SMI will then grow, propagate, plant, or distribute to community members in Tampakan, South Cotabato.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Roy Cale is one of the nine workers under the Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement Team (MEPE) of Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI). As a nursery aide, he brings to life various seedlings that SMI will then grow, propagate, plant or distribute to community members. This year, Cale and his other teammates aim to produce up to 120,000 seedlings of various tree species.<\/p>\n Cale is a resident of Barangay Tablu in Tampakan, South Cotabato. He joined the SMI MEPE Team in 2017 and has since helped produce more than half a million seedlings.<\/p>\n During the onset of COVID-19 pandemic last year, Cale was thankful that his workspace is in the great outdoors, making him feel safe from possible workplace infection. Cale was also thankful that, despite job losses that other industries suffered due to lockdowns and economic downturns, SMI immediately activated its crisis management and business continuity plans that allowed him to keep his job. Some 200 other SMI staff and contractors were able to keep their jobs as well.<\/p>\n \u2018Malasakit\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n The pandemic served as an opportunity for Berong Nickel Corporation (BNC) in Quezon, Palawan to assuage its employees that no challenge is too difficult if they focus on their work and on showing their \u201cmalasakit\u201d \u2013 or concern \u2013 for both the company and each other.<\/p>\n \u201cInitially we were afraid that we will lose our jobs like what happened in other companies, Jay Dionisio, an artist at BNC\u2019s Safety Department. \u201cWe were fetched from our homes by our company and made to stay in the mine to protect us from the virus. This arrangement allowed us to work unhampered, thus ensuring our income kept coming and our families won\u2019t go hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n Rolando Sajot, BNC Safety superintendent, says the strict enforcement of Health Protocols in the mine enabled the company to keep all its 778 employees safe. \u201cWe managed to maintain our Safety Performance Indicator at \u20180\u2019 \u2013 meaning there were no recorded accidents from 2019 to December 2020,\u201d he points out. \u201cWe posted 4 million man-hours of no lost time accident, and 25 million man-hours of no fatality since 2007.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOur efforts to care for and protect the forest and seas continued amid the pandemic,\u201d says BNC Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement officer Jaypee dela Cruz. \u201cOne of the most important elements of our reforestation initiatives is our Nursery operations, manned by people like Mrs. Florita Mutas who, at 43, still sends seven of her children to school.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWith God\u2019s grace, we were able to continue our work here, which gave me the means to feed and provide for all the needs of my children,\u201d Mutas relates.<\/p>\n Happy and Contented<\/strong><\/p>\n While other companies have shut down their businesses due to the pandemic, exploration and community development work in and around TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc.\u2019s (TVIRD) Balabag Project in Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur has not stopped, says Julito Bate, a carpenter and father of seven children. \u201cTVIRD values its workers, especially those who are honest in doing their work.\u201d<\/p>\n Marvin Edal, a former illegal small-scale miner in this town, says working with TVIRD is his \u201cdream come true\u201d. A member of the Subanen tribe, Edal was able to fulfill his wish of serving his community, especially in times of calamity and disaster, as part of the company\u2019s exploration team. On top of that, he now earns a lot more compared to the meager P20 he received per day in his old back-breaking job of carrying sacks of gold ore to his boss\u2019 makeshift processing plant.<\/p>\n The pandemic has not prevented him from helping his townmates and those in neighboring villages owing to the company\u2019s continued operations. \u201cMy only wish is for TVIRD to start its mining operations soon so we can further spread the benefits of responsible mining,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n The chief\u2019s grandson. Despite his lineage, Marvin Edal is described as \u201cwarm, approachable and hard-working \u2013 one of the best employees of TVIRD\u2019s Community Relations group.\u201d Photo shows Marvin (in light blue) assisting his grandfather, Timuay Casiano Edal, in managing administrative duties for the Subanen tribe.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Edal\u2019s sentiment is shared by Dionel Barut, an Administration assistant and in-charge of TVIRD\u2019s kitchen staff, as well as the purchase of supplies for the kitchen, mess hall, and accommodation facilities in Balabag. \u201cI like working here because the company takes good care of its employees,\u201d he relates. \u201cBesides the good pay, much importance is given to our health and safety.\u201d<\/p>\n Barut worked once in a 5-star hotel at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig but left and joined TVIRD in 2020. He has no plans of leaving anytime soon. \u201cWe are happy and contented here, especially whenever we see our fellow workers delighted with the food we serve \u2013 and then receive \u2018thank-yous\u2019 from them. Makes one forget there is a pandemic wreaking havoc all around,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n Manpower reduction never an option<\/strong><\/p>\n Being in an export-oriented industry, Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company (LCMC) continued to operate albeit in a limited capacity and with due observance of the regulations set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases or IATF. Manpower reduction was never an option for the company. Instead, LCMC opted to manage the employees\u2019 earned leave credits not merely as a cost control measure, but more so to conform with the IATF protocols for companies allowed to operate and to help stem the spread of the virus in the work place.<\/p>\n \u201cThe good thing here is that even with the Covid-19 pandemic, Lepanto didn\u2019t stop operating,\u201d says Mauricio Bangngayon, a Mine Shift Boss at LCMC\u2019s Mankayan, Benguet mine. A high school undergraduate, Bangngayon left his village in Tanudan, Kalinga 10 years ago and found a job here, initially as a mucker, then as an LHD operator 3 years later, until he was promoted to his current post.<\/p>\n \u201cThe company continues to fight, and I am still here,\u201d he stresses. \u201cThe thing I like most is that I am with my family here. My wife doesn\u2019t need to work abroad because I can provide them a decent living because of my job.\u201d<\/p>\n Mauricio Bangngayon (center), flanked by the Uyod brothers Abelard (left) and Samel (right) are thankful that their company, Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co., continues to fight to keep their jobs at the firm\u2019s Mine Division in Mankayan, Benguet.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n The company put the welfare of its employees above anything else by providing them with the necessary personal protective equipment, vitamin C especially for the frontliners, shuttle services to ferry the employees to work and back home, and disinfectants for offices, to name a few.<\/p>\n Lepanto also conducted massive testing for all the mine site employees. Those who tested positive were sent to quarantine facilities with free meals. The Lepanto Hospital continues to give free medical services to all the Lepanto employees and dependents. With Lepanto\u2019s good relationship with the Mankayan Local Government Unit, getting its employees vaccinated was never a problem.<\/p>\n Like Bangngayon, Abelard and Samel Uyod, both from Tadian, Mt. Province, found their luck in Lepanto, Mine Division. Both of them are third generation employees, as their father and grandfather used to work for the company as lead miners. The Uyod brothers are grateful for the opportunities given to them my LCMC even with their lack of college degrees.<\/p>\n Abelard started working as a security guard in 2001 and eventually became a security officer, because of his dedication and excellent performance being an underground patrol.<\/p>\n \u201cMy being able to continue working here despite the pandemic is really a great help,\u201d Abelard relates. \u201cMy children are still studying \u2013 two of them are now in college \u2013 and we need to fund their tuition fees. We don\u2019t know any other income source that\u2019s why my brother and I are so fortunate that we\u2019re still here.\u201d<\/p>\n His older brother Samel started as a mucker in 2004, then became a lead miner, and was promoted to LHD operator, until he bagged the senior surface safety inspector position in 2010. He says: \u201cOur families\u2019 primary source of livelihood \u2013 our salaries \u2013 wasn\u2019t affected that\u2019s why our standard of living remains steady even with Covid-19 wreaking havoc everywhere. We are able to withstand the pandemic because we still have our jobs and for that we are most thankful.\u201d<\/p>\n Solidarity in the time of Covid-19<\/strong><\/p>\n Back in Toledo City, Carmen Copper Corporation (CCC) saw recently the signing of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between management and workers. Of CCC\u2019s 2,365 employees, 1,916 or 81% are rank-and-file employees.<\/p>\n President and CEO Roy Deveraturda says the signing is a symbol of solidarity, regardless if you\u2019re a union member, the management, a service provider, or contractor. A key factor to the swift and peaceful CBA signing is the professionalism shown by the officers of the union, whom he described as “men of integrity and purpose.”<\/p>\n Carmen Copper Corp. President and CEO Roy Deveraturda (right) shares a light moment with labor union president Herbert Cabaluna during the signing of the new CBA between the firm and its employees.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n “They know that they also have responsibility because I believe they understand that before the wage earners can receive their share of the fruits of their labor, the wage giver must have the capability to give it to them. I salute the honesty, dedication and professionalism of the union members toward the common good,” Deveraturda says.<\/p>\n After the first three years, another negotiation will be made to deliberate on the next salary increase for the last two years of the CBA, he adds. \u201cIn a scenario wherein the general situation, brought about by the current pandemic, talks of furlough, layoffs and retrenchments from other companies, CCC is talking about salary increases and enhancing the welfare of its employees.”.<\/p>\n Union president Herbert Cabaluna, who described the CBA signing as a “very important” development, agrees: “Despite the pandemic and its effect to the economy, our CBA managed to increase and improve economic benefits like wages, benefits, allowances, bonus and programs. Aside from economic benefits, the CBA also institutionalized job security and protection of workers’ rights.”<\/p>\n As CCC continues to strive for its goals amid the pandemic, Deveraturda urged all employees to do what they can for the company: “We must all love the company, show your commitment, cooperation and of course, your competence in the performance of your assigned tasks.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" While millions of jobs were lost last year across most sectors following the lockdowns put in place to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, employment in the Philippine mining industry remains largely unaffected. This is due mainly to the resilience of the minerals development sector and the efforts of mining firms to keep their workers employed. According […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4368,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":" Residents of host and neighboring communities of large-scale mining operations and exploration projects across the country are gradually experiencing improved quality of life or learning new livelihood skills, thanks to the Social Development and Management Programs (SDMPs) and Community Development Programs (CDPs) being implemented by large-scale mining and exploration firms.\u00a0 Practically all the mines or exploration sites are located in far-flung rural areas where basic services are wanting and livelihood opportunities limited.<\/p> The SDMP refers to the comprehensive five-year plan implemented by mining contractors towards the sustained improvement in the living standards of the host and neighboring communities.\u00a0 Each contractor allocates the equivalent of 1.5% of operating costs to fund SDMP projects.\u00a0 Meanwhile, exploration projects are mandated to allot 10% of their total exploration expenditures for CDP.<\/p> According to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, since the start of the SDMP, mining companies committed a total of nearly P28 billion to SDMP as of December 2020.\u00a0 Of this amount, 75% or nearly P21 billion went to the Development of Host and Neighboring Communities, benefitting 881 barangays nationwide from various programs, projects and activities. The balance of P7 billion went to the two other SDMP components: Information, Education, and Communication (15%), as well as Development of Mining Technology and Geosciences (10%).<\/p> Through the SDMP, families are being prepared for the eventual closure of mining so they will be able to support themselves long after the life of mine. The projects, programs and activities under SDMP take many forms, but they are all geared towards creating responsible, self-reliant and resource-based communities capable of developing, implementing and managing community development projects in a manner consistent with the principle of people empowerment. Moreover, the SDMP is a tool for the development and implementation of community programs and projects in consultation and in partnership with the host and neighboring communities.<\/p> Human Resource Development and Institution Building<\/strong><\/p> FCF Minerals Corporation promotes self-sustaining and economically viable household and organizational enterprises by providing community-based organizations (CBOs) access to funds and technical assistance. Among the 21 CBOs that FCF now supports is the Runo Sewing Services (RSS), which started operations in late 2019.<\/p> Apart from assisting in the business registration of RSS, FCF\u2019s Community Relations Office (CRO) staff conducted skills training sessions for RSS members and secured slots for them in the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority\u2019s (TESDA) Community-Based Training on Dressmaking. Six of the 10 trainees who had attended the TESDA program set up a shop that now churns out various sewn items, such as uniforms, pillows, curtains, and rags.\u00a0 They also provide sewing services to FCF employees and residents of Runruno and neighboring barangays in Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya.<\/p>[caption id=\"attachment_2953\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"662\"] Fredelyn Esca\u00f1o, one of the six trainees, says the income she earns from sewing has enabled her to save money and provide her children\u2019s school allowances and their other needs.\u00a0 She has, in fact, started to build a house for her family.\u00a0 Another trainee, Analyn Felix, says her family\u2019s daily needs can now be met because she earns more from her newly acquired sewing skills.<\/p> To further support RSS, FCF made several bulk orders of Calico bags that are now being used in activities of the mining department.\u00a0 The company\u2019s CRO team also helps RSS market its products and services by encouraging other FCF employees and locals to visit the RSS shop.<\/p> Lepanto Consolidated Mining Corp. (LCMC), for its part, has been spearheading the revival of weaving in the Cordilleras after similar attempts in the past had failed.\u00a0 Although weaving, surprisingly, is of fairly recent vintage \u2013 reportedly beginning only in the early 1920s in Banao, Bauko, Mountain Province \u2013 the art did reach its peak in the 1950s when the wife of the then chief superintendent of LCMC, Mrs. Foster, organized the Lepanto Women\u2019s Club and introduced weaving as one of the club\u2019s livelihood projects.<\/p> Under Mrs. Foster\u2019s guidance, the weaving project employed some 200 weavers \u2013 including women from Ilocos Norte \u2013 who produced weaving cloths, table runners, curtains, place mats, table napkins, and dresses.\u00a0Lepanto Crafts expanded its market to neighboring towns and provinces; clients included the Baguio Country Club, the historic Manila Hotel, and even individuals from as far as London and the USA.\u00a0 Their success undoubtedly inspired the setting up of such famous woven materials outfits such as Narda\u2019s, Sagada Weaving, and Easter Weaving in Baguio City.<\/p> Lepanto Crafts\u2019 two-decade heyday came to an end when the fosters left LCMC.\u00a0 In 1999, LCMC helped organize another women\u2019s group and had the members sent to Sagada, La Union, and Abra for training and reorientation.\u00a0 The company provided the association with two pillars or manual loom weaving machines. The association profitably produced cloths, table runners and blankets for a few years but closed down in 2007 allegedly due to some internal issues.<\/p>[caption id=\"attachment_2954\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"662\"] In 2015, LCMC once again revived weaving as a livelihood program.\u00a0 The company\u2019s Social Development Department\u00a0 (SDD) mobilized four women-weavers and provided them the needed materials. LCMC President Bryan Yap donated three new tillars and weaving accessories. With more weavers, the Lepanto Weavers Organization (LWO) was formally organized in 2017.\u00a0 The SDD helped the LWO source funds to jumpstart a hopefully lasting and viable weaving business for the women.\u00a0 The Livelihood Association of Lepanto Host Communities was also tapped and proved helpful in this regard.<\/p> It wasn\u2019t an altogether smooth comeback for the Lepanto weavers.\u00a0 Challenges such as limited funding, the need for contemporary designs and further training, and marketability proved daunting at the start but with the full support LCMC, the LWO\u2018s venture has become sustainable.<\/p> A Good Head Start<\/strong><\/p> Meanwhile, down south in Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur, TVI Resource Development Phils. Inc. (TVIRD) recently concluded its \u201cGood Agricultural Practices Trainers\u2019 Training Program\u201d for some 40 participants from this town\u2019s Subanen indigenous peoples.\u00a0 The program, spearheaded by tribal chieftains Timuay Lucenio Manda and Timuay Casiano Edal of the Piksalabukan Gukom Di Bayog, provided the graduates guidance in the production of quality abaca fiber.<\/p> TVIRD also shared tips on crop protection, including pest control and natural protection against diseases.\u00a0 The company also distributed 5,000 abaca seedlings to farmers in Barangay Depore in this municipality.<\/p>[caption id=\"attachment_2957\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"662\"] Manda understands mining is not forever.\u00a0 He says whatever his tribe will earn from abaca farming \u201cmust be spent on projects identified in the Community Royalty Development Plan approved by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.\u00a0 We will see to it that the opportunity given to us will not be wasted.\u201d<\/p> Abaca, he adds, can sustain his tribe\u2019s future.\u00a0 The crop is suitable to soil type and terrain of Bayog. \u201cIt can be harvested in two years and the price is good.\u00a0 What is needed is our interest and diligence to plant.\u201d<\/p> According to the Philippine Fiber Industry of the Philippines, the country is the largest global producer of abaca fiber, supplying about 87% of the world\u2019s requirements for the production of cordage and specialty papers for currency notes, stencil paper, teabags, coffee filters, furniture and fixtures, textiles, cosmetics and skin care products, to name a few.\u00a0 It also helps boost the local economy with P4.7 billion in average annual export earnings.<\/p> With these prospects, Manda is hopeful that the project will give them the opportunity to gain economic independence.\u00a0 Some 50 beneficiaries will be provided with technical support from TVIRD, tribal leaders, and the government \u2013 a good head start for what could be a sustainable livelihood venture prior to TVIRD\u2019s mining operations in the town.<\/p> Enterprise Development and Networking<\/strong><\/p> The Gagmay\u2019ng Mananagat sa Wangke<\/em>\u00a0(GAMAWA), a cooperative of small fishermen in barangay Wangke, in Claver, Surigao del Norte harvested over 12,000 kilos of bangus (milkfish) \u2013 4,270 kilos last April and 7,928 kilos in December 2020 \u2013 earning for members nearly P1.4 million in four months.<\/p> GAMAWA is one of the community organizations being supported by Taganito Mining Corp. (TMC), a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC), since the cooperative\u2019s inception. Edelina Peraz, the Community Development Coordinator at TMC, says \u201cas a mining company, TMC is tasked by law to ensure social and economic development of the communities.\u00a0 We have long acknowledged the significance of a successful cooperative to achieve this.\u201d<\/p>[caption id=\"attachment_2958\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"662\"] The success of GAMAWA showcases the effective leadership of its president, Felix Saranza. \u201cIt is important to understand the interests of the individual member and of the whole group to keep the organization intact until everyone gets to taste the fruits of everyone\u2019s labor,\u201d he says. \u201cWe owe all our accomplishments to the support of TMC.\u201d<\/p> Since 2017, TMC has provided some\u00a0P5.5 million <\/strong>from the mining company\u2019s SDMP fund to help GAMAWA build state-of-the-art fish cages in a 450-square meter area with 3 chambers that can handle 30,000 bangus fingerlings in a single cropping.<\/p> \u201cTaganito Mining\u2019s partnership with GAMAWA aims to prove the strength of a collaborative effort between the mining company and its communities toward a shared goal of empowering cooperatives,\u201d explains Engr. Artemio E. Valeroso, Resident Mine Manager at TMC.<\/p> In Barangay Danlag, Tampakan, South Cotabato, Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) provided P600,000 cash assistance two years ago to the Danlag Women\u2019s Association (DWA) to procure equipment needed for its small backyard turmeric powder operation. DWA, with only five workers producing 5 kilos of turmeric powder via manual procedure then, now produces 200 kilos of turmeric, a ginger variety known for its health benefits. DWA president Virginia Basan says their product now provides additional income for members, mostly housewives and working college students.<\/p> They have participated in many trade fairs that gave them the chance to show how SMI, along with the Tampakan local government unit, and the Region 12 offices of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Science and Technology are cooperating in supporting their project.\u00a0 DA-12, through its regional director Arlan Mangelen, has since been urging entrepreneurs to emulate the women of Tampakan who have become well known for their turmeric project.<\/p> SMI has not even opened a mine in Tampakan and in three adjacent towns \u2013 Malungon in Sarangani, Columbio in Sultan Kudarat and Kiblawan in Davao del Sur --- since the company\u2019s inception in 1995.<\/p> Not Just an \u201cObligated Provider\u201d<\/strong><\/p>[caption id=\"attachment_2959\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"225\"] For its part, Philex Mining Corporation (PMC) is espousing the view that the company is more than just an \u201cobligated provider\u201d but in fact a partner for development. Projects implemented under the company\u2019s livelihood program vary from farming and other agroforestry practices, to establishing cooperatives to small-scale trading. This allows stakeholders the opportunity to live their dreams on entrepreneurship while being supported by the technical expertise provided or facilitated by PMC. The Livelihood Program awarded to the mining community depends on its geographical orientation, availability of raw materials, and viability of their product and presence of required skills.<\/p> At PMC\u2019s Padcal Mine in Benguet, for instance, latest technology for processing local agricultural products, such as in coffee farming and mushroom growing, is shared with host and neighboring communities. Other simple income-generating projects, like honey bee keeping, vegetable growing, and loom weaving are also being supported and encouraged as a means of livelihood to the communities.<\/p> In Masbate, Filminera Resources Corp. (FMC) organized in its host and neighboring communities 37 business associations operating different business enterprises, with support for start-up capitalization, equipment\/machineries, technical support and trainings.\u00a0 These enterprises include eggs and broiler production, organic vegetable production, crab and milkfish fattening, duck raising and duck eggs production, integrated farming, as well as sewing and soap making for women\u2019s groups.\u00a0 The company also established a community skills and technical-vocational training center where 75 graduates already passed the National Competency assessment levels 1 and 2.<\/p> Moreover, FMC organized residents into registered business associations and people\u2019s organizations, and provided them exposure to and practical hands-on trainings on livelihood projects implementations and management.\u00a0 To ensure the seamless implementation and monitoring of SDMP projects, FMC established and trained barangay coordinators.<\/p> Back in Nueva Vizcaya, FCF also donated over P500,000 to seven villages meant for the purchase and planting of more than 1,000 fruit-bearing trees that residents of barangays Caliat, Aurora, Darubba, Maddiangat, Dagupan in Buliwao town and Tadji in Kasibu can use as livelihood source.\u00a0 Among the trees to be planted are lanzones, avocado, guyabano, satsuma, and rambutan. The company also distributed cacao seedlings to residents of barangays Buliwao and Caliat.<\/p> \u2018Kapeng Barako\u2019<\/strong><\/p> Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp.\u2019s (RTN) venture into coffee farming is proving to be successful as a livelihood source for its host and neighboring communities. Eight barangays around Rio Tuba in Palawan allotted 152 hectares for planting coffee while RTN, another NAC subsidiary, added 48 hectares more, providing a total of 200 hectares for coffee growing in the area.<\/p> RTN and its partner barangays collaborated with Rocky Mountains Arabica Coffee for the transfer of technology, and with the Palawan Cooperative Union\u00a0 and the Cooperative Development Aide Authority for the trainings and sharing of best practices in coffee farming.<\/p> RTN started harvesting Liberica beans, popularly known as \u201ckapeng barako\u201d, and is finding ways to perfect the processing of these beans to produce coffee from a mining community that will live up to the quality that Philippine coffee is known for.<\/p>[caption id=\"attachment_2960\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"662\"] Last year, the communities in Rio Tuba that are in this coffee growing program successfully made their coffee available for \u201clocal tasting\u201d. \u00a0The goal is to make this venture sustainable so that, soon, the communities will be able to sell their produce and earn.<\/p> RTN and its sister firm, Coral Bay Nickel Corp., have allocated P36 million to support the mobilization of the coffee farming project, which is now in its fourth year.<\/p> The International Coffee Organization (ICO) once reported that the world consumes almost two billion cups of coffee every day and that intake steadily grows.\u00a0 Statistics say that 93 percent\u00a0 of Filipino households buy coffee products at least three\u00a0 times a week.<\/p> The coffee project was funded by RTN\u2019s SDMP in support of the Palawan government\u2019s\u00a0 mandate to provide livelihood opportunities to communities impacted by mining operations in the areas.<\/p> Assistance to Infrastructure Development and Support Services<\/strong><\/p> Over at Sta. Cruz town in Zambales, Eramen Minerals Inc. (EMI) provided funding for the construction of a communal canal and box culvert at Purok 6 in Barangay Guinabon.\u00a0 The project now supplies water from Pitugo River to some 105 hectares of farmland in this village, thus helping most of the farmers in the community who rely on irrigation for their produce.<\/p> In expressing his constituents\u2019 gratitude to EMI, Guinabon Barangay chairman Diosdado Alota says the project \u201cwill not allow water to overflow, which will mitigate flooding in Guinabon.\u201d The diverted water, he adds, can now be maximized for farming purposes.<\/p>[caption id=\"attachment_2969\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"662\"] The project has other long-term benefits for the environment and ecological stability, including prevention of soil erosion and sedimentation, and water moisture conservation. The canal and box culvert also serves as an alternative pathway for fish and will enhance upland productivity while ensuring environmental sustainability.<\/p> EMI also moved to protect farmers\u2019 crops and improve the flow of water in Barangay Guisguis by constructing a 685-meter berm and by desilting and dredging of a drainage canal in the village.\u00a0 The project is expected to increase crop production and, consequently, farmers\u2019 income, as well as protect their farmlands from water surges during the monsoon season.<\/p> Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation (MMDC) helped build houses\u00a0for families\u00a0living in Barangay Bon-ot, Panikian, Banban and Gamuton in Carrascal.<\/p> A joint project with the local government, the houses were in line with company\u2019s livelihood development initiatives that offers safe and decent shelters to families. Adequate living spaces bring hope and new opportunities for members of the community.<\/p> The project directly addresses the UN Sustainable Development Goal on Safe and Resilient Human Settlements and Sustainable Communities. MMDC also built facilities for potable water\u00a0in Cabangahan, a daycare and feeding centers in Panikian, Parang and Babuyan.<\/p> Through its SDMP, MMDC provides\u00a0 livelihood programs to ensure that equal opportunities to create, build and earn are extended to all sectors of society. Farmers were given rice seeds, organic fertilizers and carabaos to help plow the farm lands and yield more crops for higher income. MMDC also provided chariot vehicles to the farmer\u2019s association for the efficient delivery of market products.<\/p> To churn and aerate the soil before planting, rotavator machines were donated for the farmers in barangay Cabas-an, Parang and Bacolod. MMDC also built a rice mill that offers affordable rice clearing services.<\/p> Meanwhile, 30 barangays in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur each got P25,000 \u201cseed money\u201d for development initiatives from SMI. About half of the 30 recipient-barangays have centuries-old Blaan tribal domains whose residents the SMI is helping empower through humanitarian interventions despite its not having operated yet since its inception in 1995.<\/p>[caption id=\"attachment_2965\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"662\"] Municipal officials in Kiblawan, in Tampakan, in Malungon, Sarangani and in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat say SMI has already spent hundreds of millions worth of Philippine currency for health, education and socio-economic projects in the four areas despite its not having even operated yet since 1995.<\/p> The SMI also released P75,000 worth check each for the barangay governments of Tacub, Abnate and Bulolsalo in Kiblawan, as well as provided with a P75,000 grant each of the Indigenous Peoples in Kiblawan's Barangays Tacub, Abnate, Bulolsalo and\u00a0 Kimlawis where there are Blaan tribal enclaves.<\/p> The assistance was intended for projects meant to address poverty and underdevelopment in the four Kiblawan barangays, drawn from SMI\u2019s social development program allocation.<\/p> Life After Mining<\/strong><\/p> Seven years after TVIRD concluded its mining operations in Canatuan, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, the Subanon indigenous peoples in the area continue to earn from the rubber tree project the company started as early as 2007.<\/p> Jimmy Lingala, works as a farmer and rubber tapper during his off-duty hours from his \u201cday job\u201d as security guard of the old mine site, now completely rehabilitated.\u00a0 He has been doing this after TVIRD gave rubber seedlings to his family and the rest of the community. Jimmy says he earns an additional P4,000 a month from his one-hectare rubber tree farm.\u00a0 He will earn more if the market for rubber latex improves.<\/p>[caption id=\"attachment_2966\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"662\"] Rubber experts say rubber trees become \u2018tappable\u2019 five or six years after planting.\u00a0 This year marks the beginning of the Subanons\u2019 harvest.\u00a0 They have already been selling to local traders and rubber is now one of the main income sources of Subanons.<\/p> In 2015, the company distributed a total of 114,773 rubber seedlings in Canatuan and nearby communities.\u00a0 These seedlings have been planted and grown in a total area of 229 hectares and farmers have already harvesting the fruits of their labor.<\/p> Today, Canatuan is surrounded with rubber plantations in TVIRD\u2019s host Siocon town as well as neighboring RT Lim and Tungawan Municipalities.<\/p>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3038","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-posts"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/JB02.png\")
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Analyn Felix (left) and Fredelyn Esca\u00f1o now earn more from the sewn products and sewing services they offer at the shop they set up with four other trainees who attended the TESDA Community-Based Training on Dressmaking, arranged by FCF Minerals Corp.[\/caption]![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Picture3a.png\")
In 2016, when LCMC through the initiative of its president, Bryan U. Yap, decided to bring back weaving, Suzette Anongos (above) and Pilar Calpotura found themselves over the moon, and decided to forego their other means of livelihood to focus on weaving. Nothing makes them happier.<\/em>[\/caption]![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Picture5a.png\")
Marvin Edal, grandson of Timuay Casiano Edal inspects abaca fiber that are hung out to dry. \u00a0Demand for the product is high as it earns the country some Php4.7 billion in average annual exports.<\/em>[\/caption]![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Picture6a.png\")
GAMAWA\u2019s biggest record was December\u00a02020 when its members harvested 7,928 kilos of bangus that sold for a whopping P889,292.00.<\/em>[\/caption]![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Picture7-225x300.png\")
Mushroom growing as an alternative means of vegetable farming in Padcal.<\/em>[\/caption]![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Picture8a.png\")
Above, a cooperative office rises in Barangay Sandoval after Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation and Coral Bay Nickel Corporation awarded a one-storey building to Sandoval Farmers Producers Cooperative (SANFAPCO), a primary cooperative operating in Sandoval, Bataraza that is engaged in coffee production and other agro-produce. Below, one of the coffee farmers of Rio Tuba.<\/em>[\/caption]![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Picture10a-copy.png\")
Top photo shows the completed communal canal and box culvert project after completion and the middle one, before the project started. Bottom, another portion of the completed project in Barangay Guinabon.<\/em>[\/caption]![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Picture13a.png\")
Mayor Carl Jason Rama led the symbolic release of the development grants for 30 barangays in Kiblawan that SMI channeled through his office. (Photo from PhilStar.com\/John Unson)<\/em>[\/caption]![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Picture14a.png\")
A Subanon resident whose parents are among the beneficiaries of TVIRD's free seedlings is busy at work in their rubber plantation. Almost everyone in Canatuan owns a rubber tree plantation, thanks to TVIRD\u2019s free seedlings distributed long before the cessation of its mining operations.<\/em>[\/caption]