Company exceeds 14 million hours of safe, accident-free operations
Tubay, Agusan del Norte / July 2018 – Agata Mining Ventures Inc. (AMVI), a nickel-laterite mining project of TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD), took its fire drills to new heights at the recently-concluded Fire Olympics last May 29 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Butuan City where the company’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) once gain bagged first place. The competition was initiated by Provincial Governor Angel M. Amante-Matba through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) leadership, Erma Suyo, and in partnership with Caraga’s Bureau of Fire Protection and the Provincial Fire Brigade.
The event was attended by six contingents from different areas of Agusan del Norte, which is the only province to conduct the said event across the region. The rationale and objective of the event are to test the strength of the participants’ capabilities, enhance their knowledge and skills in firefighting and rescue operations, enhance their respective Fire Brigades and intensively appreciate their duties and functions.
The Fire Olympics also aims to build camaraderie and solidarity among the front liners in firefighting operations as well as highlight the importance and key functions of the organizational Fire Brigade.
Safety first
Agata has always believed in the dedication and commitment of its personnel. It has likewise invested heavily in safety and maintaining its ISO certification while upholding the industry’s highest ethical standards and stewardship of the natural environment.
“Safety is not just structures or materials. It is also awareness, attitude, and most of all, embracing the essence of saving lives. Agata believes in its capacity to mold and provide opportunities for its communities; thus, it also braves the challenge of ensuring safety,” explained General Manager Emil Figueroa.
The Agata ERT volunteers have been tested as they participated frequently in provincial, regional and even the national competitions. The team was a brainchild of Assistant General Manager Anthony Quijano.
“It is inspiring to know that in every moment of our operations, there are men and women who are willing to face hard work, intensive training and the burden of risk just to keep others out of harm’s way – just the intention to save lives, anytime and anywhere,” he said.
The team has performed relief operations during the Surigao earthquakes, Lake Mainit Flooding during La Niña and numerous natural forest fires due to El Niño. The volunteers were also able to assist PDRRMO-led activities in forming community ERTs in the three municipalities where it operates.
Adequate training
Forging partnerships with government agencies has become a part of TVIRD’s approach in Agata. This includes its long-standing relationship with the PDRRMO, which was invited to the Agata mine site to facilitate and judge the company’s own Safety Olympics along with Tubay Municipality’s Fire Brigade.
“It is notable that such a company can withstand the challenges of safety operations and at the same time invest in training the community in disaster preparedness and risk management mechanisms,” said the agency’s trainer and representative Kenneth Oliver Villegas who was impressed with AMVI’s efficiency not only in implementing safety mechanisms but also the life-saving skills of its personnel and communities.
Tubay Fire Marshall Jesus Monton likewise quipped: “The men and women of Agata are not just workers but also the extension of resources of which we are short of: skilled volunteers.”
Prior to the Provincial competition, the company conducted its first Safety Olympics among its personnel. The event was held at the company’s activity area in Barangay Lawigan of this municipality where all nine departments competed in essential safety and rescue challenges, namely: first aid, busted hose, up-the-ladder, rescue transfer relay, fire extinguishment and the bucket relay.
Three other teams came from partner contractors and the community while each team had a minimum of eight members competing for the awards.
Over 14 million safe man hours
The 14 million hours with zero casualty is a reflection of Agata’s high operational standards and safety measures. It is also the first private company that conducted and established Incident Management among its ranks.
In addition, its Safety Department conducts medical check-ups among all its employees and residents of the eight adopted barangays. A healthy lifestyle is also incorporated in every activity: physical exercise, proper nutrition and diet management is always part of the routine.
Safety Officer Aldrin Arieta along with his staff continuously remind personnel and unceasingly implement safety standards on which operations relies on proper implementation.
The company’s advocacy extends to blood donation campaigns, medical support for barangays, free medical consultations and humanitarian missions to different communities across the region.
This also extends to the province through Agata’s partnership with national media, government agencies and NGOs: Radio Mindanao Network, Bombo Radyo, Department of Health, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Dental Association.
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