Carmen Copper Corp. in Toledo City, Cebu has sent to school nearly 1,580 children of underprivileged families.\u00a0 Of this number, 1,221 have already finished their studies.<\/p>\n
Last year, Carmen Copper invested in the education of 359 poor but deserving youth \u00a0\u2013 130 in college, 88 in technical-vocational courses, and 141 in high school.<\/p>\n
Carmen Copper\u2019s academic scholarship program for tertiary learning has a total of 28 graduates. They were all full scholars who enjoyed full tuition, monthly lodging and allowances, among others. Six of them are already employed at the company. Among them is Mining Engineer Kent Harold Largo.<\/p>\n
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Engr. Kent Harold Largo, Mine Open Pit Mining Engineer, Carmen Copper Corp.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n The older sibling in a brood of two, Largo took it upon himself to get a decent college education to help his dispatcher father provide for the family.<\/p>\n After finishing high school, Largo approached his school principal for possible benefactors who might be willing to support his dreams of becoming an engineer. He found his opportunity with the Carmen Copper Scholarship Program, which took care of his college expenses all the way to his board exam fees.<\/p>\n Today, the 22-year-old son is not only able to help his family financially, but also celebrated his second work anniversary as one of the mining engineers at Carmen Copper.<\/p>\n Overwhelming pride<\/strong><\/p>\n Atty. Georgina Martinez, a senior vice-president for Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC), was at St. Luke\u2019s Hospital\u2019s Urgent Care Unit in Bonifacio Global City when she met Dr. Mayvelyn Abiog.<\/p>\n In the part where the patient shares personal details to the attending physician, Dr. Abiog recognizes the company her patient is affiliated to and she gasps and excitedly blurted \u2013 \u201cYou\u2019re with NAC! My mom was head chemist for RTN. I was your scholar \u2013 all the way from high school to med school!\u201d (RTN stands for Rio Tuba Nickel Corp \u2013 a NAC subsidiary)<\/p>\n Atty. Martinez says it was one of the greatest meetings she has had as representative for NAC: \u201cOne cannot fully express that feeling of pride; it was overwhelming. We took care of her, now she\u2019s taking care of us,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n Dr. Abiog is only one of the many students RTN has helped become a physician under the mining company\u2019s full scholarship program. And RTN has supported thousands more in its over 50 years of operations. Mining\u2019s legacy<\/strong><\/p>\n Engineer Ariel Ogiagan is one of the top officials of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) in the town of Baliguian, a third-class municipality in Zamboanga del Norte Province. And after seeing him in his office, one can easily speculate that this young civil engineer has come a long way.<\/p>\n A son of a farmer and member of the Subanon tribe, Engr. Ogiagan was one of the 91 scholars of TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) during its mining operations in Canatuan, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. He is currently an LDRRMO Officer-2 of this town after obtaining his degree in civil engineering back in 2013 at the Western Mindanao State University.<\/p>\n Community service. Prior to being a frontliner, midwife and former TVIRD scholar Jeanette Neri-Asmad has been working for the Department of Health (DOH) in Zamboanga City since \u2018retiring\u2019 form the company in 2014. (In file photo above): Jeanette took an active role in the DOH\u2019s mass vaccination programs for communities in the region. <\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Being among the top performers of his class and a member of his tribe helped him land in the company\u2019s scholarship list.<\/p>\n \u201cThe opportunity for a better education and decent life is the best thing that TVIRD has done for me and my family,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Cynthia Comisas-Lacpao, for her part, says education is the greatest legacy that the company left the Subanon homeland. \u201cIt has opened many doors and opportunities for us \u2013 and for non-Subanons as well,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n A former scholar who became company nurse for more than a decade, Lacpao worked for the Department of Health after the company had concluded its mining operations in 2015. She was then elected to a seat in Siocon\u2019s legislative body in 2019.<\/p>\n Nurse turns lawyer<\/strong><\/p>\n Philex Mining Corp. has, since 2003, assisted at least 795 students with its college scholarship program. Of the 167 college scholars who graduated, 134 are employed in various private and public agencies locally and overseas.<\/p>\n Among the bar examination passers in 2019 was Kimberly Gomez from Itogon, Benguet, a Philex scholar. She was granted educational assistance during her last two years of law school and five months of law review classes. In her high school and college studies she was also part of the company\u2019s pool of scholars who were selected and provided with monthly stipend, semestral book allowance, and free tuition fees. She finished her undergraduate course, BS Nursing, at Saint Louis University and passed the nursing examination for licensure exam in 2009.<\/p>\n She says she was inspired by her community to take up law school: \u201cI was at a job that paid the bills but was not giving me a sense of accomplishment. And I could see injustices being committed in the community, especially by people in power to further their self-interest. I wanted to be in a position to be of service to people whose rights have been violated.<\/p>\n \u201cFor many people from the host communities, Philex contributes to the development of infrastructure and livelihood,\u201d she adds. \u201cFor me, one who has been a student most of her life, Philex is my educational sponsor, for which I will always be grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n In 2021 alone, Philex\u2019s total allotment for its education program is nearly P30 million or 30% of the total DHNC budget. An additional P1.5 million is budgeted under Development of Mining Technology and Geosciences component of the company\u2019s SDMP for the scholarship of 12 students in the field of mining and geosciences. With this amount, Philex is providing the school fees and allowances of 432 college scholars and 17 Technical Vocational students enrolled in different schools. The company also gives monthly stipend for 349 Junior High and 316 Senior High students, as well as subsidizing 291 pupils\/students enrolled in the elementary and secondary private schools inside camp.<\/p>\n Some of Philex\u2019s scholars who are now full-fledged professionals in different fields.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Record college graduate scholars<\/strong><\/p>\n RTN downloaded some P25 million between 2016 to 2020 for its educational programs. To date, RTN prides itself with a record of 443 SDMP college graduate scholars while currently supporting 53 college students in various courses, 249 students in high school, and 160 in elementary school.<\/p>\n RTN has also constructed classrooms, funded various child development programs and other non-formal literacy schools over the years, provided school supplies to both students and teachers especially during this pandemic.<\/p>\n Cagdianao Mining Corp. (CMC), another NAC subsidiary operating out of Dinagat Islands, has dealt with tremendous upheaval in the daily lives of the people in the communities, both in and out of the classroom. Big, iconic move<\/strong><\/p>\n CMC focused on the efforts to repair and renovate of school facilities in 4 barangays; supported the construction of a computer laboratory and a speech laboratory in its main barangay of Valencia; improved the day-care facilities and ensuring volunteer teachers and day-care workers had financial assistance; even supporting the building of a school stage in elementary schools and a covered court, even purchasing a school bus that provides day to day convenience to teachers and their students.<\/p>\n CMC employees taking classes in the mine site<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n But one big and iconic move is CMC\u2019s partnership with St. Paul University of Surigao (SPUS) that has the University offering the degree Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mining Engineering, as a second course, to qualified employees in the mine site.<\/p>\n This is a first for the Philippine mining industry, an innovative educational program.<\/p>\n SPUS is banking on CMC\u2019s generic resources, the mine site as a natural laboratory, plus and an array of state-of-the-art computer software for mining engineering courses.<\/p>\n With the company\u2019s credible lineup of mining engineers, geodetic engineers, geologists and chemical engineers, acting as instructors, the SPUS and CMC collaboration is an excellent initiative.<\/p>\n Digital Jobs Project<\/strong><\/p>\n Some 50 scholars are undergoing two-month training on digital platforms under the Digital Jobs Project, which is sponsored and conducted by Masbate-based mining firms Filminera Resources Corporation and Phil Gold Processing & Refining Corporation (PGPRC).<\/p>\n The multi-million peso project has put up a Community Business Process Outsourcing Training Center, training facilities and supplies, recruited faculty, provided millions of pesos for trainees\u2019 allowance, set up a systematic job search and placement system. The trainees come from the Montana Relocation Site in Barangay Bangon, Aroroy.<\/p>\n The two mining firms have partnered with the Department of Information and Communication Technology, which provided faculty to train the scholars in these digital courses \u2014 virtual assistance, web development, search engine optimization, graphic design, e-commerce, and online bookkeeping, among others.<\/p>\n Initial feedback from deployed trained scholars is encouraging, according to Benjamin Magalgalit, PGPRC SDMP supervisor. For example, a highly trained PWD is now earning more than US$2,000 or over P100,000 a month as a website content developer, while a farmer is earning US$1,000 (over P50,000) a month as a BPO manager specializing in Search Engine Optimization.<\/p>\n Funding scholarships, vocational training<\/strong><\/p>\n Benguet Corporation\u2019s gold operations has spent P10.61 million for education projects, programs, and activities (PPAs) from its P56.3 million SDMP funds since 2005. The company\u2019s nickel operations, on the other hand, has, since 2013, allocated P11.79 million for education out of its P47.4 million social development budget. This has benefitted total of 403 high school and college students from BengCorp\u2019s host and neighboring communities in Zambales and Benguet Province.<\/p>\n Some of the scholars from a batch of BengCorp\u2019s college and senior high school graduates from Sta. Cruz, Zambales.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Among these PPAs is the Special Program or Employment of Students or SPES where graduate scholars are given a chance to work and do internship for the company and barangays. Under SPES, students do office work and participate in the different activities assigned by barangay councils, such as surgical\/optical missions, Brigada Eskwela, and clean-up drives.<\/p>\n Other beneficiaries undergo training on shield metal arc welding under instructors from the Technical Education & Skills Development Authority for the Youth Development Program at the BengCorp Electrical Department.<\/p>\n The company likewise provides assistance to the Child Development Centers, participates in improvement of schools, such as concreting of school pavements, installation of comfort rooms and water tanks, as well as leads in \u201cBrigada Eskwela\u201d activities by donating cleaning materials and supplies, as well as school supplies and equipment such as computers, printers, photocopiers, and other school equipment were also provided by the Company.<\/p>\n STEM Academic Strand lab equipment <\/strong><\/p>\n For its part, FCF Minerals Corp\u2019s scholarship program has fully supported a total of 35 graduates from all over the company\u2019s host province of Nueva Vizcaya. Currently, FCF continues to support 34 other scholars from its host communities within and around Runruno.<\/p>\n To help upgrade the laboratories of schools with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) academic strand in the province and to improve learning competencies of students, the company donated equipment to Lamo National High School, Runruno National High School and Bintawan National High School.<\/p>\n To enable the scholars to cope with their online course requirements, FCF provided those in their second and third years of college with laptop computers.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n The donated equipment include digital scales, wireless Ph sensors, wireless temperature sensors, plotting compasses, wireless motion sensors, field mapper kits, solenoids, wireless light sensor, microscopes, mini generator, wireless force acceleration sensor, and salinity sensor. Supporting learners in the time of Covid-19<\/strong><\/p>\n Carmen Copper also turned over a digital printing equipment, inks and printing supplies to the Department of Education (DepEd) Toledo City Schools Division, benefiting some 53,000 public school learners in this city whose learning were disrupted by the pandemic.<\/p>\n The RISO digital duplicator, five rolls of ink cartridge and master roll will help fast-track the reproduction of modular learning materials in the new normal<\/p>\n Carmen Copper Corporation turned over the brand new printing equipment and supplies to the Department of Education Toledo City Schools Division.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Since the start of modular classes in public schools in October 2020, DepEd Toledo City would wait for the printed modules from their regional and national counterparts to arrive before they could hand it out to learners.<\/p>\n A total of 32 public elementary and secondary schools operate within the 17 host and neighboring barangays of Carmen Copper.<\/p>\n The company also turned over boxes of school supplies and health kits to public schools located in its host and neighboring communities to express gratitude to the teachers\u2019 unwavering dedication.<\/p>\n Teachers of Old Bucao Elementary School receive school supplies and health kits from Carmen Copper Corporation.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Anticipating life after 2-year modular learning<\/strong><\/p>\n Carmen Copper has also built 10 school buildings with 19 classrooms and refurbished 26 school buildings with 78 classrooms since 2015.<\/p>\n Holding classes in person after two years of modular learning will be made more rewarding for students and teachers of Magdugo Elementary School with the inauguration of its new school building constructed by Carmen Copper.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Moreover, Carmen Copper funded various researches and other studies, including revalidation of baseline data and other environmental impact of its mining areas. It also provided allowances and safety apparels to students taking on-the-job training at the company.<\/p>\n Shuttle buses are provided to ferry students, pupils and the rest of the community to safely take them to their destinations.<\/p>\n Big ticket projects<\/strong><\/p>\n Taganito Mining Corp. (TMC) boasts of some P65.3 million support to educations programs. TMC records some P22.22 million pesos support for various educational programs from 2016 to 2020. The company is currently providing scholarship and other financial assistance to 424 students.<\/p>\n TMC believes that providing support to education is a sure way to a secured future for the communities and this resolve is strengthened further when the company\u2019s scholars pay forward by showing off academic excellence. The most recent display of such distinction is when one of TMC\u2019s scholars, Engr. Andro Poliran Bayang, graduated Magna Cum Laude and has even bagged the 3rd place in the Metallurgical Engineering Board Examinations in July 2021.<\/p>\n 14 mining engineer-scholars<\/strong><\/p>\n Another NAC subsidiary, Hinatuan Mining, which operates in Hinatuan Island, Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte, boasts of a unique feat of all of its scholars who took up mining engineering all passed on the first take of their mining licensure exams.<\/p>\n So far, HMC has produced 14 mining engineers: Edmar Anahaw, Daryl Anahaw, Rodel Albaran, Ryan Wenceslao, Reynold Lito, Geochel Calunsag, Christian Bocboc, Christian Digman, Christian Centillas, Gino Paguntalan, Anamae Prongo, Alvin Gemparo, and the most recent are, Keenen Calu\u00f1a, and King Paje<\/p>\n HMC keeps a proud record of 308 graduates from the company\u2019s scholarship program. Currently, they are keeping tab of a total of 1,274 college, high school and elementary scholars.<\/p>\n From 2015 to 2020 HMC has expended some P28.46 Million for education programs and activities.<\/p>\n Other than building computer and speech laboratories and providing equipment such as projector, laptop, and printer, and because HMC\u2019s operations is in the island, it was expected that the company also takes care of transportation for the students and so provided for boats for Sitio Campandan and Sitio Bagong Silang used to transport students and teachers.<\/p>\n Forever grateful<\/strong><\/p>\n She knows what it is to be poor at a young age, being born to poor parents and raised by a single mother who died while she was in her primary years. The harrowing experience of being bullied because of poverty made Joanamarie Gabayan vow to have a stable job in the future.<\/p>\n At 19, she fulfilled her promise to herself and joined the academe where a decent, fulfilling and stable job as a professional teacher awaited her.<\/p>\n Gabayan earned her degree in elementary education in 2015. She took and passed the professional board examination for teachers then and landed a teaching job the following year \u2013 thanks to the scholarship program of TVIRD in Canatuan, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.<\/p>\n Our future. Children study and play at the Canatuan Elementary and National High School \u2013 an institution that TVIRD helped build during its operations in the area from 2004-2014, and from which time the company has been the host municipality\u2019s strongest partner in promoting responsive education. (TVIRD file photo)<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Now 25 years old and already married, Joan is currently teaching the Subanon children at Barangay Tabayo Elementary School of this town. Assigned as an Indigenous People Education teacher by the DepEd, she instructs her pupils on basic education that is responsive to their context, respects their identities and promotes the values of their indigenous knowledge, skills and other aspects of their cultural heritage.<\/p>\n Looking back to her humble beginnings, Joan said she is forever grateful to the company that helped her realize her dream. \u201cI could not have reached this far without TVIRD,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" With better and stronger mining policies in place to protect the environment and communities, mining companies who comprise the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines have been a taking a sustainable approach in tapping the country\u2019s mineral wealth.\u00a0 Apart from ensuring that mined out areas are progressively rehabilitated for other productive land use, these companies […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4330,"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-3216","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-posts"],"yoast_head":"\n
\nIn 5 years alone, from 2016 to 2020, Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC) companies have downloaded a staggering P153.76 Million Pesos specifically to support and improve programs, facilities, and infrastructure, for education in the mining communities.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/edu02.png\")
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\nDealing with Covid-19 and its impact to education, CMC has learned an important life-changing lesson \u2013 that the pandemic has not only impacted students but has taken its toll on educators.
\nTherefore, CMC\u2019s contribution of more than P35 million to education programs in Dinagat Islands, from 2016 to 2020, had not only the students in mind but also the well-being of the teachers<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/edu06.png\")
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\nFCF also donated school supplies and equipment to various schools to augment their needs in producing modules for their students during this pandemic.
\nThrough its own SDMP fund, FCF is supporting 18 geosciences scholars. Meanwhile, 16 other scholars are being supported by the company by way of its SDMP contributions to Barangay Runruno.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/edu10.png\")
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\nThis yet another NAC subsidiary\u2019s big ticket projects include a P21 million share for the construction of a new Taganito National High School Campus; and P20 million share for the construction of Punta Naga Elementary School near the Mamanwa housing. TMC has provided each an exclusive school bus to elementary schools in two barangays plus equipment such as projector, laptop, printer and other day-to-day educational materials for both students and teachers.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chamberofmines.com.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/edu14.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]