Miss Tubay 2014, Mary Maritoni Catapang, is AMVI’s new envoy
Tubay, Agusan Del Norte / October 2014 – Culminating the five-day celebration of Tubay Municipality’s 67th founding anniversary, the town staged the annual Miss Tubay beauty pageant last Sunday, 19 October 2014, at the Barangay Poblacion Gymnasium. The event was attended by members of the local community, and signified the conclusion of the town’s festivities. Moreover, it marked the community’s hope for lasting unity and brotherhood as well as long-term development and progress.
Miss Tubay was organized by Madam Fe Delia Garcia, wife of Municipal Mayor Fidel E. Garcia Jr. and was attended by Agusan del Norte Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, representatives of local government units (LGUs), various sponsors and Tubaynons from all walks of life.
Tubay’s anniversary program is supported by Agata Mining Ventures Inc. (AMVI), with which the town shares a common development roadmap in harnessing its mineral resources. AMVI is expected to enhance economic activity through direct employment in the area and the generation of livelihood and other downstream industries related to its mining operations.
Advocating unity
“We are all gathered here tonight to proudly celebrate our municipality’s 67th Foundation Day. Agata Mining Ventures Inc. joins us tonight to support a unified Tubay,” said Mrs. Garcia during her opening remarks.
“They (Agata representatives) are here to work in partnership with us in bringing sustainable programs for long-term development and bringing forth a brighter future for the whole municipality,” she added. The event also received the strong support of the Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine National Police (PNP Tubay), Tubay Employees Association (TEA) and the Working Youth Club of Tubay (WYC).
AMVI General Manager Victoriano Núñez joined the panel of judges that were selected among the main sponsors of the event. The five-day festivities included an inter-barangay basketball tournament and folk dance competition – all cultivating camaraderie among Tubay’s townsfolk, including the indigenous tribal community.
A herald for goodwill
Among the town’s most eligible bachelorettes, 10 Miss Tubay contestants came on stage as candidates representing various groups and organizations within the municipality. After the main portions of the pageant, the roster was narrowed down to the top five candidates who were selected based on scores and support from the local community who filled the gymnasium to witness the event.
After winning majority of the awards, including Best in Swimsuit, Best in Nightgown and Miss Photogenic, contestant Number Five, 20-year old Miss Mary Maritoni Catapang, was crowned Miss Tubay 2014. Maritoni’s success is attributed to her confidence during the question and answer portion, during which she shared her vision for the future of Tubay and her desire for the people to be able to harness its abundant marine resources.
Maritoni Catapang was also conferred the concurrent title of Agata Goodwill Ambassador by GM Vic Núñez. She will help foster unity and engage the community in AMVI’s responsible mining practices, environmental protection and conservation as well as social and community development programs.
Prior to its operations coming on-stream, AMVI has been consistently recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for establishing a good environmental track record. It was likewise conferred the Best Mining Forest Award (exploration category) in 2013.
To date, and prior to beginning operations, the company has planted over 100 thousand trees across 100 hectares within its MPSA. AMVI continues to engage its host communities in various collaborative social development programs together with the LGUs.
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