Roger “Potet” Tumangkis, was not able to finish high school because he had to help his parents at the farm. He later on wanted to continue his studies but was ashamed to go back because he would already have been a lot older than his classmates. Then he saw a good opportunity to continue learning and pursue his dream of becoming an automotive mechanic. He enthusiastically signed on a training program sponsored by a mining firm operating in his village of Canatuan in the mountains of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

“I commit to seriously finish the training,” says Potet, the son of Juanito, a tribal leader and former Chairman of the Siocon Subanon Association, Inc. (SSAI). “This is my only chance to improve my life and that of my parents. After the training I would like to work for TVIRD and show people the skills that I learned here.”

Dr. Elena Sillero, a teacher at the Jose Rizal Memorial State College (Siocon Campus) and a trainer at the program, says she feels honored that her school’s proposal for livelihood skills training is being supported by TVIRD. “We will make sure that the funds the company has provided for this program will be put into use for the benefit of our Subanon brothers and sisters.”

In his brief remarks to the participants at the program launching ceremonies, Ely Valmores, TVIRD Acting General Manager, said he fully understands the importance of this training to the company’s Subanon hosts. “Today is just the beginning of challenging days you will have to go through to be able to acquire skills that will prepare you for a better future. There will obstacles along the way, but do not be discouraged. Continue on and never quit. This program is one of TVIRD’s ways of equipping residents of our host and impact communities so that they will have a sustainable source of livelihood when it is time for our company to leave Canatuan.”

Three boys, one dream. From left, Roger Tumangkis, Roger Ambaan and Ryan Alas-as all want to become good mechanics one day.

Feliece Yeban, TVIRD Vice President for Corporate Social Commitments, says “the skills training is part of the company’s ‘E to E2 Program’. We educate for employment or for entrepreneurship. Out-of-school Subanons and non-Subanons alike are provided with capacity building training such as this so they may acquire skills that will make them employable not only by TVIRD but also by other companies. Apart from employment, such education gives them the skills to put up their own enterprise. Employment and entrepreneurship are the pillars of sustainable livelihood, which we hope to accomplish during and after the mine life.”

Another participant, Jano Davi, says he only wants to help support his mother, Tribal Council of Elders member Susana Davi, with the money he will earn when he finds a job after the training. “I no longer have a father. I just want to help my mother. She is sick and if I am working I could afford to buy her medicines. I am not interested in going to a formal school. All I want to do is try my hand at being a mechanic.”

Above, Jano Dandi (in red) and Roger Tumangkis both have the welfare of their families in mind in their wanting to become mechanics.

“We are blessed with the ongoing mining operation of TVIRD,” Bonifacio Patoh, Barangay Chairman of Tabayo, which encompasses, Canatuan, says. “The company has extended basic services that the government cannot supply because of lack of funds. TVIRD has ably filled in the gaps. It has not only provided infrastructure, education and health projects but, equally important, skills that can help us stand even if the company has ceased its operation in our ancestral land.

TVIRD wants its partnership with the Subanons to extend beyond the company’s stay in Canatuan. As such, TVIRD strives to provide its gracious hosts with education and to ensure that they become self-sufficient. The road to full self-sufficiency may still be long, but the Subanons are well on their way. For the participants in the skills training program, their journey has begun. (Joana Tiglao)