Afternoon delight

Except for the sound of mining and milling equipment and the sight of people busy at work, afternoons in Canatuan are usually quiet and uneventful. The cool breeze and the intermittent rains these past days even provide an inviting proposition for siesta. This seemed like another one of those afternoons. Suddenly loud cheers punctuate the air. From a vantage point in this remote mountain village, employees of the copper mining firm operating here can be seen marching in columns, grouped according to the colors of their shirts. Excitement fills the air as they move along, waving their hands, acknowledging the cheering and applause of their fans and supporters, fellow employees and members of their families.

It’s the opening ceremonies for Summer Liga, the sports league every employee at the Canatuan Project of TVI Resource Development Philippines, Inc. (TVIRD) has been waiting for. Over 600 individuals, mostly from the host indigenous Subanon community, are participating in sporting events that include basketball, volleyball, badminton, chess, and darts. Organized by the company’s Human Resources and Administration Department (HRAD), the Liga aims to foster teamwork and camaraderie as well as promote physical fitness among TVIRD employees.

“It’s so nice to see our colleagues having fun,” says Yulo Perez, Vice President for Philippine Operations, as he formally opened the tournament, which, he adds, will not only showcase each participant’s athletic skills, but also provide the opportunity for them to relax – a welcome respite from a hard day’s work at the mine and mill. “Let us work hard and play hard! But even as we play hard, let’s not forget our next scheduled shipment!”

Perez is referring to TVIRD’s next copper concentrate shipment, slated within the first week of May, from its Sulphide Project facilities in Canatuan, the mountainous eastern portion of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

The parade of “Canatuan stars” was followed by the oath of sportsmanship led by Paul Arias, TVIRD Canatuan Security Manager, and then by the lighting of the games’ torch and the cheering competition, won by the Orange Team.

The roaring of sports enthusiasts in this mountain camp continued throughout the opening game of the league, a basketball match that saw the Blue Team pitting their hardcourt skills against their Orange counterparts — one best described as a “cardiac” game that went down the wire.

Despite their losing effort, Blue Team’s Sergio Tabanes of the Security Force Department says their participation is well worth it: “HRAD’s Liga program gives us the chance to bond with fellow employees from other departments.”

“Hopefully, the Liga will continue next year,” Green Team’s Rosanna Sotomel of the Administration Department adds. “I really enjoy cheering for my teammates.”

Gerry Marcellana, TVIRD Canatuan HRAD Manager, points out that the month-long Liga, along with his department’s other employee programs, “manifest TVIRD’s commitment to promote and look after the well-being of its human resources – the company’s best asset.”

Other HRAD activities lined up this year include Maayong Dominggo sa Canatuan (Good Sunday in Canatuan), where employees are provided opportunities to engage in meaningful activities of various interests. Part of Maayong Dominggo is Patnubay sa Kalusugan (Health Guide), which, according to Marcellana, are learning sessions with the company physician, Dr. Ulysses Siloria, and his team of health personnel. In addition, cooking lessons will be offered and spearheaded by Ember Impang, Camp Supervisor, and other featured employee cooking enthusiasts who will share their favorite recipes with fellow employees. Employees’ children, too, will be part of the summer action as they participate in art classes and games that seek to develop their young minds and bodies.

With the ongoing Liga and the other HRAD activities in the pipeline, afternoons in Canatuan promise to be livelier and more action-packed for those who live here to work and play, rain or shine, this summer and beyond. (Lullie Micabalo)