Sharing resources, volunteering rescue personnel and delivering immediate relief to affected areas
Tubay, Agusan del Norte / April 2017 – In the aftermath of successive natural calamities that struck communities in Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte, Agata Mining Ventures Inc. (AMVI) extended its assistance to both its host communities affected by floods in Tubay Municipality, Agusan del Norte as well as the residents in Surigao City who were devastated by a series of earthquakes that destroyed homes and various infrastructures.
AMVI is a joint nickel laterite DSO project of TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) and MRL Nickel Philippines. It operates in the three neighboring municipalities of Santiago, Jabonga and Tubay, which are located in this province – and which is within short driving distance to the adjacent Surigao mining region.
Through stormy seas
Following an initial relief mission conducted by key AMVI officers, staff and the Agata Emergency Response Team for close to 1,000 affected residents, the sustained effects of Typhoon Auring and the long occurrence of the La Niña phenomenon have hindered the host communities’ fishing and farming livelihood, especially in the vulnerable coastal areas. Adding to the difficulty are flooded and damaged roads that hampered relief access to the communities.
In response to their immediate needs, AMVI conducted a third wave of relief operations in Barangays Lawigan and Tinigbasan in Tubay. Despite strong winds and a stormy sea, company personnel and the Agata ERT mobilized the delivery of relief goods to an additional 495 households and turned-over emergency equipment to barangay officials.
The necessary briefing was also conducted by the team to immediately augment the required provisions for the people, re-establish communication protocols and prepare the community for possible emergency evacuation as needed.
In aid of Surigao
The 6.7-magnitude earthquake that hit Surigao City left a path of devastation to its critical infrastructures, residences, power supply and even its potable water system. A team of Agata’s volunteers and the Agata ERT were again deployed on a two-day rescue and relief mission – joining other mining companies in the province of Surigao del Norte.
AMVI’s water truck was also sent to distribute water to evacuation and residential areas that set-up tents intended for temporary housing. Drinking water, gallon containers and relief goods were also distributed to more than 270 households .
The earthquake left six dead and over 100 injured, according to Philippine National Police Senior Superintendent Antony Maghari. AMVI activated its Incident Command System and joined fellow miners PGMC, Taganito, SRMI, Philsaga, Greenstone and Marc Ventures’ dedicated and concerted effort to assist the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council.
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