Benguet Corporation, established in 1903, had, in fact, started its progressive rehabilitation and reforestation program in the early 1920s \u2013 long before the passage of Commonwealth Act 137 of 1936, a law governing the conservation, disposition, and development of lands and minerals in the country. All told, the company has planted some 22 million trees on 20,000 hectares of land throughout its 118 years of mining operations.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/reforest01a.png\")
First photo shows BenguetCorp\u2019s reforestation program 100 years ago in 1921. Second photo was taken in 2010, which shows the second-growth pine forest in Bobok, Benguet. Part of the company\u2019s reforestation of 22 million trees over 20,000 hectares within and around its mining operations.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n For the period 2011-2021, BenguetCorp planted over 127,000 seedlings within the 81 hectares of reforestation area in Benguet District with an average survival rate of 83%. The seedlings planted are species of Benguet pine, coffee, rambutan, calliandra, bamboo, gmelina, achuete, and acacia mangium.<\/p>\n To provide additional income for its gracious indigenous peoples hosts, BenguetCorp contracted Ucab Indigenous Community Livelihood Association to plant Benguet pines within the 5 hectares area in Ucab, Itogon.<\/p>\n BenguetCorp\u2019s nickel operations in Zambales, meanwhile, has, since 2009, planted about 2.49 million seedlings of acacia auriculioformis, mangium, agoho, kasoy, batino, bamboo, and mahogany inside its tenement of 1,406 hectares with 95% survival rate. With these trees planted in Sta. Cruz, Zambales, 49% of the population of the municipality have been freed carbon dioxide or had made carbon neutral.<\/p>\n 85 years of protecting the environment<\/strong><\/p>\n Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company (LCMC), which celebrated its 85th founding anniversary last September 21, for its part, has planted over 7 million trees in approximately 1,000 hectares of land over the firm\u2019s eight decades of operation. These trees include Benguet pine seedlings donated by the company to host barangays and other neighboring municipalities in support of their local reforestation programs.<\/p>\n LCMC President and Chief Operating Officer Bryan Yap says \u201cprotecting the environment and the community have been the pillars of the company\u2019s operations for 85 years\u201d, which is why LCMC lasted this long. \u201cEven before any of the regulations from the government were set,\u201d he adds, \u201cLepanto has always put importance to the community and the preservation of the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n 20-year Challenge: top photo left is one of Lepanto\u2019s tailings storage facilities during initial stages of rehabilitation in 1997, and top right is the same area, decommissioned and fully rehabilitated, in 2017. Bottom, a drone shot of the decommissioned tailings pond.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n \u201cWe commend Lepanto Mining for its efforts to comply with the requirements on environmental protection and enhancement programs, which includes rehabilitation of disturbed areas,\u201d MGB-Cordillera Autonomous Region Regional Director Fay Apil says. \u201cIn fact, during the last rating period for Tenement Safety, Health, Environment and, Social audit, Lepanto Mining received a very satisfactory rating.\u201d<\/p>\n Resiliency and initiative<\/strong><\/p>\n Through resiliency and initiative, Philex Mining Corporation was able to implement its environmental protection targets for 2020 despite the pandemic. The company carried out reforestation projects, as well as care, maintenance, protection, and progressive rehabilitation activities to existing and previously established plantation areas and disturbed sites.<\/p>\n Philex established 50 hectares of new plantation sites within the municipalities of Tuba and Itogon, both also in Benguet. The company likewise carried out care, maintenance and protection in its existing 80-hectare plantations, and completed grass cutting over a 260,000 square-meter area. Philex environmental personnel conducted a series of foot patrols to protect the planted seedlings from trampling and grazing of free-range farm animals and to mitigate the possible occurrence of fire in the area.<\/p>\n Top photo is Philex\u2019s fully rehabilitated Sibutad Mine in Zamboanga del Norte. Bottom composite snapshots show the company\u2019s bamboo project located at one of the company\u2019s decommissioned tailings storage facilities in Padcal, Benguet. This project started in 1993, long before the government required mining firms to include bamboo in mine rehabilitation.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Over 126,000 assorted seedlings were produced from the main and satellite nurseries. Some 960 assorted seedlings were donated to groups and private individuals to support their own environmental enhancement and livelihood activities. The company also assisted the members of the Philex Mines Multipurpose Cooperative in their environmental enhancement initiative to plant coffee seedlings at the decommissioned tailings storage facility in Itogon.<\/p>\n Also in 2020, Philex established a new 20-hectare reforestation project at its subsidence area in Tuba as well as established a bamboo nursery at its tailings storage facility, likewise in Itogon.<\/p>\n As of end-2020 Philex has planted a total of over 12.2 million trees over nearly 840 hectares of disturbed land and close to 4,500 hectares of reforested areas. Among the company\u2019s six project areas, the Padcal Mine accounted for nearly 9.7 million total number of trees, followed by the Bulawan Project with about 1.4 million trees. Padcal\u2019s survival rate for trees planted in its operations areas is pegged at close to 90%, and nearly 97% in exploration areas.<\/p>\n Baguio City environment officers have observed in Padcal\u2019s reforestation areas the presence of several birds listed as priority species under the Biodiversity Management System. These birds include the tariktik hornbill, scale-feathered malkoha, white-eared brown fruit dove, Philippine kohal, Philippine bulbul, and cuckoo shrike.<\/p>\n Team of experts builds a forest<\/strong><\/p>\n The display of vigorous flora and fauna in the forest of Hinatuan Mining Corp. (HMC) \u2013 showcasing a natural process of how biodiversity returns to a mined-out area \u2013 is the highest tribute to the company\u2019s sound rehabilitation program. Already, HMC, a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp., has registered more than 300 hectares of rehabilitated mined-out areas.<\/p>\n HMC Mine Rehabilitation officer Miguel Loremia III says building a forest is like building an entire complex community.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n HMC\u2019s knowledge on rehabilitation is shown by the return of botanical species, initially cleared at the beginning of mining operations, to the rehabilitated areas complete with evidence of new native species. But to achieve a superior rehabilitation recovery rate, HMC had to develop a range of innovative techniques, which include an efficient nursery program; the use of non-chemical, originally concocted, all-natural, soil conditioners; and, most importantly, employing a dedicated team of experts.<\/p>\n A study was performed prior to active mine operations to understand the dynamic and state of the environment in the area. \u201cIt is critical to know how to effectively ameliorate the soil in order to rebuild the forest after mining has disturbed the biodiversity in the area, that\u2019s why baselining is critical, we need a complete picture of the \u2018before and after\u2019 of the soil, what nutrients were lost, and what needed to be put back as intervention,\u201d Jemmafie Ebora, HMC soil specialist, explains.<\/p>\n For HMC mine rehabilitation officer Miguel Loremia III, one of the challenges in building a forest in a mined-out area is the contouring of the land: \u201cIt\u2019s like building a community, you fix the roads, you stabilize the slopes through vegetation and re-greening and you build an efficient drainage system that will help grow the plants and protect the forest from soil erosion,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n HMC\u2019s marine biologist Jusua dela Pe\u00f1a, meanwhile, can often be found at the Lipata Cove in Hinatuan island, where HMC has its nursery for mangroves propagules. He would have with him members of the community who help prepare these \u2018seedlings\u2019 for the beach forests.<\/p>\n Top three photos, Jemmafhie Ebora, Jusua dela Pe\u00f1a, Earl John Gascon are joined in bottom picture by Miguel Loremia III (far left). They are Hinatuan Mining Corp.\u2019s Environment Warriors.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n As part of its re-greening program and rehabilitation, HMC is proud of its beach forests that beautify and shield the mining community\u2019s coastlines and defend its marine life. De la Pe\u00f1a works closely with the entire Environment team; his job includes monitoring the health and safety of the underwater gardens and the forest along the shorelines.<\/p>\n Forester Earl John Gascon, for his part, says success means the return of the insects and wildlife in the rehabilitated area. He designs and manages HMC\u2019s eco-parks, experimenting on anything beautiful and beneficial that can grow in the mine\u2019s lateritic soil. The challenge for him as a forester is real but it\u2019s always the natural way of farming for HMC.<\/p>\n \u201cWe get excited by sightings of wild life and indigenous flora, especially those we didn\u2019t plant or we didn\u2019t grow, because it means the natural process of returned biodiversity in a forest, once disrupted by mining,\u201d Gascon says.<\/p>\n What is evident in HMC is that throughout the entire life of the mine the state of the environment gets highest priority. The extent of regeneration and rehabilitation at HMC is something any environmentalist can be truly proud of.<\/p>\n Sharing environmental responsibility<\/strong><\/p>\n Significant progress in the reforestation efforts of Carmen Copper Corporation (CCC), a subsidiary of Atlas Mining & Development Corporation, was made possible because of the relentless support of its partner communities. CCC launched its Community-Based Reforestation Project, which saw the Toledo City-based company tapping eight people\u2019s organization (POs) to jointly grow trees from seedling production up to planting more than 285,000 seedlings of acacia auriculiformis or that will cover 100 hectares of mined-out areas.<\/p>\n During his recent visit to the Carmen Copper Corp. (CCC) mine site, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy A. Cimatu (top photo, middle) reiterated the Duterte Administration\u2019s confidence in the potential of responsible mining operators to help the government in its economic recovery as the country slowly rises from the effects of the pandemic. Cimatu is flanked by CCC President Roy Deveraturda (pointing at map), and Mines and Geosciences Bureau Central Visayas Director Armando Malicse. Bottom photo are members of the Bagakay Farmers\u2019 Association, one of CCC\u2019s People\u2019s Organization partners in seedling production and planting that are now reaping the rewards of that partnership<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Among the POs that are now slowly reaping the fruits of their labor as CCC\u2019s partners are the members of Barangay Bagakay Farmers\u2019 Association (BFA) whose members are among the 3,500 farmers engaged in cooperatives and associations supported by the company since 2015. Through the company\u2019s Social Development and Management Program, these farmers were able to produce 342,000 kilos of produce worth P4.08 million over the past five years.<\/p>\n Because of the reforestation project, BFA members are not just farming but now also producing and selling rags as well. From this endeavor, the group was able to purchase sewing machines, opening another door towards sustainable livelihood.<\/p>\n Lucia Racoma, BFA President, said Carmen Copper\u2019s project came at an opportune time as many of their community members lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic. \u201cWe are very grateful to Carmen Copper for giving us an opportunity to have an extra source of income, especially during this pandemic,\u201d she says. \u201cIt also gave us a chance to help protect our environment.\u201d<\/p>\n A year since starting their rag-making enterprise, Racoma says they now have patrons in Toledo City and even in as far as Taboan Public Market in Cebu City. She says they can make some 3,000 pieces of rags daily using only one sewing machine. They are optimistic they can increase their production with the addition of more sewing machines.<\/p>\n The once barren and defoliated mined-out areas surrounding Carmen Copper\u2019s Biga Tailings Storage Facility are now an oasis of green growth and wildlife rich habitats. More than 687,117 seedlings of Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia mangium and other tree species now thrive in more than 412 hectares of mined-out areas in the environs of barangays Biga and Loay.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n To date, CCC has reforested nearly 1,600 hectares of land, which serves as home to at least 81 species of trees and plants and 31 species of birds and bats. To date, close to 80,000 native saplings and over 75,000 fruit-bearing tree seedlings have grown, while there remain 50 hectares of undisturbed woodlands.<\/p>\n As part of its biodiversity protection and preservation initiative, CCC is coordinating with a leading university research group in conducting a biodiversity assessment. This study will form the company\u2019s new and updated baseline for future monitoring of biodiversity.<\/p>\n Mining Forest Program<\/strong><\/p>\n Since 2007, FCF Minerals Corporation, through its Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement Office, has been actively implementing the Mining Forest Program (MFP), which mandates all mining companies to establish mining forests through reforestation within their contract areas. FCF also actively participated in the National Greening Program (NGP) launched by the government in 2011 in an effort to regain 1.5 million hectares of forestlands.<\/p>\n Under its reforestation efforts under MFP and NGP, FCF has planted and donated nearly 3.4 million seedlings in over 2,000 hectares within and outside the company\u2019s mine area in Runruno, Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya. The company maintains a central nursery with a capacity of 300,000 seedlings.<\/p>\n FCF prides itself with using of biological engineering and approaches for the rehabilitation of denuded, sparsely vegetated, and mined out areas, as well as protecting watershed areas to ensure adequate water supply to upland and downstream communities through rain forestation and assisted natural regeneration.<\/p>\n The company also encourages the \u201cbayanihan spirit\u201d or social volunteerism among communities, even as it creates sustainable income-generation through employment of affected stakeholders. Moreover, FCF supports research and development for innovations and for ensuring the success of the program.<\/p>\n Four-component rehabilitation program<\/strong><\/p>\n For its part, Eramen Minerals Inc.\u2019s (EMI) progressive rehabilitation program has four components: reforestation, agroforestry, buffer zone management, and landscaping. Just last August, EMI completed the planting of trees in 57 hectares of land identified for reforestation \u2013 portions of the contract area disturbed by mining operations, as well as those devoid of trees or understocked, and savannah \u2013 thus bringing the company\u2019s total hectarage for this component to over 154 hectares since 2012.<\/p>\n The company also completed its rehabilitation activities in a total of 12.4 hectares of agroforestry and landscaping areas. In addition, EMI developed and enhanced a 5-kilometer stretch of its contract area buffer zone covering some 9 hectares for ecological development.<\/p>\n Top photo shows Eramen Minerals Inc.\u2019s (EMI) nursery, put up in 2012, where the company propagates endemic and forest tree species for its rehabilitation initiatives. Bottom, ongoing research and development on agroforestry and crop cultivation are undertaken in EMI\u2019s Gulayan sa Minahan Program, established in 2018, as part of mine rehabilitation program.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n EMI used fast-growing species only for conditioning of its reforestation area to improve the micro-climate, particularly moisture and temperature, and to invite micro-organisms, small invertebrates, and vertebrates. In areas assessed to have the capability to grow endemic species, EMI used species readily available within the tenement. In due time, indigenous and endemic species of trees will be transplanted, and scientific treatments will be applied to limit the proliferation of fast-growing species and to prevent detrimental effects on desired plant species.<\/p>\n EMI stakeholders who have toured the mine were impressed with what they saw. For instance, according to Marites Tabuco, a Sangguniang Bayan member of Sta. Cruz, the company\u2019s host town in Zambales, \u201cI can say that Eramen follows the law governing mining. I was happy when I saw mined out areas that have been planted with trees and other plant species, which are important to prevent soil erosion. I hope the company can maintain its good practices.<\/p>\n Progressive Rehabilitation of mined-out areas are ongoing in EMI\u2019s Bolas Area since 2018 where agoho, dulag and bamboo are being planted. Meanwhile, newly mined-out areas are planted with vetiver to stabilize the slope.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n The company has, since 2012, planted nearly 43,000 wildling, fruit trees, and bamboo for its rehabilitation program\u2019s reforestation, agroforestry, and buffer zone components, as well as 4,300 ornamental plants for landscaping. EMI also planted 1,500 bamboo under the National Greening Program. To further enhance and remediate the area subjected to progressive rehabilitation, more than 19.5 million cover crops were used in 2021 alone, employing different methods regreening, such as planting, sodding, broadcasting, and sprigging around the site.<\/p>\n Traces of wildlife presence have been found in rehabilitated areas, such as molting of the Philippine cobra; paw prints of wild cats, wild boar, deer, among others; feathers of wild chicken, band rail, needle tail, cockatoo, kulasisi, among others. The presence of animals, such as Brahminy kite, crow, monitor lizard, dahong palay, balinsasayaw, and oriole, as well as other known and unknown species of herbs and avifaunal species have also been observed in these areas.<\/p>\n Presidential Awards<\/strong><\/p>\n The two firms of the Masbate Gold Project \u2013 Filminera Resources Corporation and Phil. Gold Processing & Refining Corp. \u2013 received four awards in the recent 2020 Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Awards (PMIEA), in the Best Mining Forest and Safest Mine categories. The PMIEAs are given to mining companies who exhibit best practices in safety and health management, environmental protection and community development.<\/p>\n The Syndicate Waste Dump inside the Masbate Gold Project minesite that was revegetated from 2016 to 2019 with a total rehabilitated area of 42.68 hectares. Cash crops like coffee, cacao, and coconut have been planted in the area as trial species. A 3.29-hectare experimental pineapple plantation was established on the flat portion of the dump to evaluate suitability to post-mining rehabilitation. To date, there have been 81,863 trees and 21,295 pineapples planted. Inset photo shows the site two years prior.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Filminera is the recipient of the PMIEA Selection Committee Platinum Achievement Award in Surface Mining Operation Category, the Titanium Achievement Award, Mineral Exploration Category and the winner of the Safest Mineral Exploration \u2013 A Category. Phil. Gold, on the other hand, received the PMIEA Selection Committee Titanium Achievement Award in the Mineral Processing Category.<\/p>\n Both companies have active programs geared towards the conservation of nature, biological diversity and integrated approaches to land use planning. As a result of these upland and coastal reforestation efforts, the reforested and rehabilitated areas are now home to a diverse range of flora and fauna species. Aside from enhancing biodiversity through their environmental programs, the firms have also spurred social development in the surrounding communities through various livelihood programs.<\/p>\n Reversing decades of abuse by illegal small-scale miners<\/strong><\/p>\n Prior to the entry of TVI Resource Development Phils., Inc. (TVIRD) in Balabag, the Dipili River in this town was laden with toxic waste from chemicals, including mercury, which were discarded by illegal small-scale miners. In addition, human waste from hundreds of workers and their families were also thrown there, leaving a dead river. Unabated illegal tree-cutting denuded Balabag Hill and destroyed the natural habitat of wild animals in the area.<\/p>\n TVI Resource Development Phils. Inc. (TVIRD) has already planted more than 160,000 trees in and around its contract area in Balabag, Zamboanga del Sur \u2013 a far cry from the days when illegal small-scale miners destroyed the town\u2019s natural resources. <\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Illegal artisanal mining was the livelihood of many people in this town from the early \u201890s. People from neighboring towns in Zamboanga de Sur and other Mindanao provinces came in droves to join the gold rush in Balabag \u2013 literally \u201cmaking a killing\u201d (of the environment) in the process.<\/p>\n This wanton activity only came to a halt in 2012 when the government issued and implemented a Cease and Desist Order and completely dismantled the illegal facilities. Since then, TVIRD has been rehabilitating Balabag\u2019s dying natural environment. Trees and cover crops were planted, the quality of the water was regularly monitored, and toxic waste from hundreds of shallow tailings ponds were also taken out. Clean-up activities also included the Genaro Creek.<\/p>\n In her report of July 2021, TVIRD environment manager Agnes Goze says the company has already planted more than 160,000 trees within and around its 4,779-hectare tenement area. Of this number, more than five hectares are already fully rehabilitated.<\/p>\n Forester Edward Vincent Borres says all rehabilitated areas were initially planted with cover crops to follow plant succession and for soil stabilization. In the rehabilitated areas, various plant species like Vetiver, Mani-Mani, and Setera total almost 300,000.<\/p>\n Above, TVIRD’s environment crew planting trees and cover crops to restore the greenery and prevent soil erosion, particularly in landslide-prone areas previously mined by illegal operators. Below, water samples are regularly taken from rivers and creeks within TVIRD\u2019s contract area, which are tributaries of Sibugay River. The company\u2019s Balabag Project straddles the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n To mitigate the siltation from ongoing earthworks, TVIRD\u2019s environmental crew constructed several silt ponds at Genaro and Onao-Onao Creeks. Water quality monitoring is also performed daily in both creeks, including Dipili River itself.<\/p>\n \u201cWe still have a long way to go,\u201d says community relations officer Lope Dizon. \u201cWe have programs and projects that aim to restore the environment. And we have the full support of the Subanen indigenous people and the town\u2019s local government unit.\u201d<\/p>\n Supporting government\u2019s bamboo industry development program<\/strong><\/p>\n During a recent webinar organized by the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council, Chamber of Mines of the Philippines chairman Gerard Brimo reiterated the industry association\u2019s support for the development of the local bamboo industry.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile mining in the Philippines has a very small footprint, it is in a unique position to contribute to the government\u2019s Bamboo Plantation Program,\u201d Brimo said. \u201cBamboo is an ideal grass specie for eco-rejuvenation of mined out areas as part of a comprehensive mine rehabilitation plan that includes other plant and tree species. Environment experts maintain that the inclusion of bamboo in biodiversity development on mined out land is a sustainable solution for climate change mitigation; it is effective in ecosystem restoration or the re-establishment of the capability of the land to capture and retain its fundamental resources.<\/p>\n Bamboo planting activity at Nickel Asia Corp.\u2019s (NAC) Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Project site in Palawan during the World Bamboo Day last year. Chamber of Mines of the Philippines Chairman Gerard Brimo, who is also NAC chairman, has reiterated the Chamber\u2019s full support for all government and private sector efforts that are geared towards achieving and realizing the benefits of bamboo economics, climate change mitigation, and poverty alleviation.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n \u201cAn ecosystem development model should take into consideration the influencing factors to ensure its success. Apart from environmental value, the model should also consider the socio-economic benefits of eco-rejuvenation \u2013 something that bamboo has plenty to offer in terms of livelihood opportunities for residents of mining communities,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n \u201cAs such, we are committed to involving and harnessing our gracious host communities in the development of bamboo plantations within and around our mined out areas. It is our hope that this will promote a sense of ownership among our hosts so that they will enjoy continued benefits from the land long after the life of mine,\u201d Brimo said.<\/p>\n Out of the total 4,368.24 hectares committed by the mining industry for the establishment of bamboo plantations, 1,170 hectares are from the Chamber\u2019s 22 operating members nationwide.<\/p>\n \u201cWe expect the hectarage of land devoted to bamboo plantations to grow in the coming years once new mining projects begin operations following the issuance of EO 130 and even exponentially so if the ban on open pit mining is lifted,\u201d concluded Brimo.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Several large-scale metallic mining companies all over the country are ensuring that environmental conditions are sustained over the life of mine and beyond following The Mining Act of 1995. These companies \u2013 all members of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines \u2013 are undertaking, among others, revegetation of mined out areas as part of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4400,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":" 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.<\/p> According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country\u2019s unemployment rate was 8.7% in April 2021, an improvement from the 10.4% posted at the end of 2020 \u2013 the highest in 15 years. In terms of magnitude, the April figures translate to a total of 4.14 million unemployed individuals who are 15 years old and above.<\/p> The Asian Development Bank\u2019s (ADB) estimates the Philippines\u2019 total job losses at 2.1 million in 2020, around 500,000 of which were in construction and another 100,000 in manufacturing, with the steepest decline in employment in the services sector reliant on tourism. ADB pegs the job losses north of 500,000 in wholesale and retail; 265,000 in accommodation and food; and a drop of about 100,000 jobs in transport, public administration, and other services.<\/p> Meanwhile, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau says the mining and quarrying sectors even posted a slight increase in employment numbers, from 182,000 in 2019 to 184,000 in 2020. In April 2021, however, employment in mining and quarrying dropped by 7,000, which can be attributed to the temporary closure of some operations due to local government directives. Nevertheless, this figure is expected to improve particularly in the large-scale metallic sector with the resumption of OceanaGold Phils. Inc.\u2019s Didipio Project operations soon following the renewal of its mining agreement with the Philippine government.<\/p> Quick response<\/strong><\/p> 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>[caption id=\"attachment_2953\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"662\"] 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> 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> Thankful<\/strong><\/p> 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> \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> \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> 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>[caption id=\"attachment_2954\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"662\"] \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> \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>[caption id=\"attachment_2954\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"662\"] \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> Lucky<\/strong><\/p> 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> \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> 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> \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>[caption id=\"attachment_2957\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"662\"] 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> 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> 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> \u2018Malasakit\u2019<\/strong><\/p> 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> \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> 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> \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> \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> Happy and Contented<\/strong><\/p> 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> 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> 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>[caption id=\"attachment_2959\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"662\"] 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> 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> Manpower reduction never an option<\/strong><\/p> 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> \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> \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>[caption id=\"attachment_3012\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"662\"] 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> 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> 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> 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> \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> 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> Solidarity in the time of Covid-19<\/strong><\/p> 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> 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>[caption id=\"attachment_2969\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"662\"] \"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> 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> 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> 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>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3114","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\/09\/reforest03.png\")
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New Philex Mining Corp. (PMC) HR Senior Supervisor Luzbele Roxas, hired during the pandemic. PMC is part of the MVP Group of Companies.<\/em>[\/caption]![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/JB03.png\")
\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>[\/caption]![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/JB04.png\")
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>[\/caption]![\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/JB05.png\")
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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>[\/caption]![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/JB07.png\")
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>[\/caption]![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/JB08.png\")
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>[\/caption]