Government agencies counsel workers on business opportunities and alternative employment
Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte / December 2013 – In preparation for the upcoming decommissioning of its Canatuan copper-zinc project in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) initiated a multi-agency intervention program to orient its workers on business opportunities as well as to prepare them in seeking alternative employment both here and abroad. The program was conducted last month in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
“The intervention is part of TVIRD’s program to prepare its employees, with respect to providing them the means to acquire gainful employment and livelihood once they are separated from the company,” said Corporate Services Vice President Yody Marzo.
TVIRD laid the groundwork for its retrenchment process in 2012 and has since established programs and activities to help augment employee income through training and skills development. The retrenchment process also ensures a strict compliance to legal requirements covering compensation and employee benefits.
“TESDA’s issuance of national certificates (NC) to our skilled workers who passed its certification process is part of that plan. NCs are issued to our workers as a way to prepare them for the future, making them more marketable,” added the executive. Over 100 employees were issued NCII certifications, officially stating that their skills exceed entry-level requirements and that they can perform to the standards expected in the workplace based on competency standards; therefore, making them eligible for employment.
NCs in the fields of welding, automotive servicing, shielded metal arc welding, electrical installation and maintenance, computer hardware servicing and driving were issued to qualified employees. A special training on resume and cover letter writing was also conducted in order to enhance their competitiveness.
On livelihood and business
“The assistance of government agencies is based solely on the employees’ needs. For instance, the DA was invited since employees expressed their desire to know more about rubber tree planting, knowing that it is a potential source of income and many of them already own several hectares of cultivated land,” Canatuan Human Resources Manager Quilang explained.
One employee who is now harvesting rubber latex from his few hectares of rubber trees was promised technical and financial assistance from DA, including added capital for expansion.
“DOLE committed to assist our workers in acquiring additional capital by linking them with other government agencies while DTI will assist them on packaging and marketing their products,” Quilang said, explaining both agencies’ commitment to guide them in starting-up new businesses and in maximizing capital based on the separation package they will receive from the company.
The DTI also discussed small business opportunities and current market demands in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Life after Canatuan
“Life still goes on after TVIRD finally pushes the ‘stop’ button on its Canatuan Plant – signaling the end of its mining operations,” said employee Victor Batuigas, alluding to the final decommissioning of its processing operations. The 40-year old welder candidly admitted an air of uncertainty among employees. “But like the rest, I learned to accept the fact that mining is finite and that after a specific period of time, the ore reserve is exhausted.”
Like his co-workers, Batuigas draws confidence from programs initiated by TVIRD’s Human Resource and Administration Department – which are geared towards employee preparedness. Batuigas was issued an NCIII certification by TESDA, making him highly-marketable globally.
The company’s host indigenous Subanon tribe likewise sees a glimmer of hope in the future. Tribal leaders and TVIRD are working together to fully explore mineralized prospects in Sitio Malusok, which is a short trucking distance from its Cantuan facilities. The company earlier filed an application to expand its Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) area to cover Malusok.
“Maayo man gyud ang kompaniya. Nakatabang man gani ni namo sa panginabuhi ug uban pa (The company is really good. It has helped us not only on livelihood but also in many aspects of our lives),” said Subanon tribal chieftain Timuay Jose Anoy.
At the peak of its mining operations, TVIRD employed 1,200 workers, 30 percent of whom are Subanons. And while majority of the remaining 70 percent come from its host town of Siocon, it also employed workers from neighboring towns like Baliguian where Malusok is located – and which municipality also generates tax revenues from TVIRD’s presence.
“Without TVIRD in Canatuan, we will lose the local taxes that it regularly pays us,” said Baliguian Vice Mayor Gani Esmali, referring to real property taxes accruing on the company’s housing and recreational facilities as well as several other structures constructed in Malusok.
Gearing-up for the future
The company invited DOLE Provincial Director Henry Tianero and attached agency, Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), to conduct a jobs fair in its Malusok Club House. The event is co-organized by the local government of Siocon and is open to other town residents.
“We have expanded the activity to include the community. Residents of the host municipality will also be served – which merits the full support of the mayor,” enthused Marzo.
TVIRD is set to conclude its current operations in Canatuan by the end of 2013 due to the depletion of ore in its mine site. At this time, the company will gradually scale back its workforce in order to sustain operational efficiency in processing as well as to ensure the proper delivery of employee benefits.