Good corporate citizenship by the Coalition for Responsible Mining in Mindanao
True to its mission of being the standard bearer of responsible mining in Mindanao, members of the Coalition for Responsible Mining in Mindanao (COREMIN2) demonstrated good corporate citizenship and environmental stewardship as they conducted simultaneous activities commemorating this year’s Earth Day, celebrated globally in April.
In partnership with communities, local groups and government, COREMIN2 members implemented eco-tours, sustainable agriculture seminars, environmental cleanup drives, sports and wellness activities, and climate change advocacy, among others.
•TVI Resource Development (Phils.) Inc.
In Canatuan, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte where TVI Resource Development Phils. Inc. (TVIRD) operates its Copper and Zinc project, Earth Day was commemorated through series of activities held from April 15 to 28. TVIRD engaged the participation of local farmers in the company’s host and impact communities as a way of expressing its commitment for sustainable development in the area.
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Local farmers and women visit a model FAITH nursery of TVIRD and admire the fresh harvest of organic vegetables. (Photo: TVIRD CREDO)
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The celebration kicked off with an orientation and nursery tour of farmers from three impact communities (Barangays Malipot, Tibangaw and Tagaytay) to the company-initiated alternative agri-livelihood dubbed as Food Always In The Homes (FAITH), a program being implemented in TVIRD’s host communities as part of its Sustainable Development Management Program (SDMP). The tour aims to replicate the success of this organic vegetable growing program and provide food security and additional source of income for the locals.
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Kaingin Farmers No More. Local farmers practicing slash and burn method were introduced to sustainable farming technologies. (Photo: TVIRD CREDO)
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Local farmers share their vision for their group while Solonsangan farmers association chair Fernandez Anda (right photo) reviews the inputs of his colleagues. (Photo: TVIRD CREDO)
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Earth Day was likewise an opportune time for TVIRD to introduce sustainable upland farming methods to 14 farmers engaged in kaingin (slash and burn farming practice) in Malusok, Paduan and Paduan Ridge, three districts in the Canatuan mine area. These farmers were reminded of the environmental impact of this unsustainable practice and were introduced to modern farming technologies such as intercropping to rehabilitate their farmlands.
To cap the celebrations at Canatuan, TVIRD gathered members of four farmers’ associations (Paduan, Solonsangan, Tanuman, Tabayo) and facilitated the groups’ visioning exercises and organizational strengthening.
•Philex Gold Philippines Inc.
Workers and officials of Philex Gold Philippines Inc. (PGPI) in Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte initiated a cleanup of the coast of Murcielagos Bay, particularly at Libay Wharf on April 22. The activity was held in partnership with the local government of Barangay Libay in Sibutad, the Sibutad Project Employees Care and Maintenance Association (SPECMA) and Palm Kris Security Agency.
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Philex mine workers and the community in action during the cleanup of Libay Wharf. (Photo: PGPI)
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After three hours of wharf cleanup, the group was able to recover a truckload of marine debris which pollutes the waters of the bay which is known for Pinyahon Islet, a local tourist destination.
The collected rubbish was then segregated and dumped in the PGPI landfill or utilized as organic fertilizer material in the forestation area of the mine site.
•Sagittarius Mines Inc.
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Bikers and joggers for Mother Earth. (Photo: An Zee/SMI)
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Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) celebrated Earth Day on April 30 with a number of public activities. The day-long observance started off with an early morning Earth Bike and Jog around Tampakan in partnership with the local government, Search and Rescue Tampakan Mountaineering Society, MENRO and other local groups.
A Cleanup Drive was likewise held at vicinity of Tampakan Municipal Hall and was followed by a lecture on Global Warming and Climate Change attended by employees of the local government unit.
(COREMIN2 is an organization composed of mining companies operating in Mindanao as well as of mining industry stakeholders. The organization envisions itself to be a catalyst for positive change and promote the ideals of responsible mining and sustainable development in Mindanao.)
(Ernie Rojo)
