Supports the community’s second founding anniversary
Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur / March 2015 – In recognition of the community’s unrelenting support to the company’s mining project in Balabag – and to mark the success of its joint education and sustainable livelihood programs for its constituents – TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) extended its support to Sitio Maglatin on the occasion of its second founding anniversary last 22 February 2015.
The day-long festivities kicked-off with a mass officiated by Bayog Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Robert Brilliantes, followed by various fellowship activities that included a volleyball competition, parlor games for children and a talent show, which culminated the sitio’s celebration.
Also known as Purok 5 of Barangay Pulangbato, Maglatin is located some 9.5 kms away from the barangay proper and is situated within TVIRD’s 4,779-hectare Mineral Processing Sharing Agreement (MPSA) area. The event was headed by Barangay Captain Feliza Antonio and council members. It was also witnessed by friends from nearby barangays Dipili, Depore and Dimalinao.
“I invite my constituents in this sitio (as well as) my barangay to continue to give your full support to TVIRD, with the hope that they will bring a long-desired development for us and the next generation,” she said.
In acknowledgement of their proven sincerity and support, TVIRD Balabag Officer-in-Charge Col. (Ret) Valentino Edang also expressed his gratitude to Pulangbato officials and constituents. He also assured that while the road ahead may present some challenges, the future holds much potential especially as the company is primed to operate its gold and silver project in the area.
Reeling from illegal mining in the past
In 2012, Sitio Maglatin residents who were previously convinced that illegal small-scale mining would benefit their community opposed the entry of TVIRD. At this time, both the company and the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur jointly constructed a road from Bayog Municipality to the Balabag Mining Project site – which later on provided access to vehicles and enabled residents to bring their goods to town.
Over time, Maglatin residents realized the sustainable benefits of harnessing natural resources in an environmentally-responsible way, in contrast to the damaging and exploitive effects of artisanal mining in the past.
Functional literacy for children
Though genuine engagements, TVIRD also introduced various programs that are geared for the community’s development.
In 2014, the company partnered with Pagadian-based non-government organization, Business Opportunities Against Starvation Inc. (BOAST), and rolled-out its functional literacy program to develop the necessary skills and aptitude in order for students to reach an adequate level of written communication.
The framework aims to help Maglatin youth to achieve a mastery level above basic reading and writing – and beyond simply learning their ABCs.
Livelihood for a sustainable future
Seminars and livelihood trainings on banana planting and backyard piggery were also conducted for the residents of the Sitio Maglatin in the same year. Conceived by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Banana Industry Forum is a first-of-its-kind training module previously conducted by the agency in Pagadian City. The town is also the first recipient of the training since the maiden event.
Bananas in the Philippines are the source of livelihood of some 6 million farm households, according to sources. The non-seasonal crop has 200 indigenous varieties and is likewise the number one fruit grown and the leading export income earner for farmers, ranking the country among the world’s top four banana producers.
With respect to the industry that grows this high-value crop, the Banana Industry Forum tackled critical facts and figures, which are very relevant topics for participants. The training forum was complemented by a module on Backyard Piggery – one of the most common forms of livelihood in the countryside. But rather than typical backyard growing, the module concentrates on the hygienic method of raising swine.
While Mindanao produces a great majority of the country’s bananas, the Zamboanga Peninsula is one the region’s six (6) major producers. TVIRD and BOAST’s training forum aims to harness this potential and help local communities leverage on the region’s agro-climatic condition that is conducive for yielding high-value crops.
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