Honoring women’s role in championing empowerment in the industry and the community
Members of the Mamanwa indigenous cultural community in Tubod happily attend the company’s Women’s Month celebration at the Siana Gold Project.
Mindanao, Philippines / May 2024 – The TVIRD Group recently celebrated Women’s Month in line with the national theme, “WE, for gender equality and inclusive society” – further highlighting its commitment to equality and inclusivity across the ranks of its workforce. The month-long celebration across the group’s mine sites consisted of a series of programs geared towards women’s health, wellness, and values formation.
Greenstone Resources Corporation’s Siana Gold Project, a wholly owned subsidiary of TVIRD, along with the Balabag Gold-Silver Project, and the Agata Nickel Project, each commemorated Women’s Month through various activities across the group’s Mindanao mine sites.
Women of Siana and MGB witness Agata’s rehabilitation
The women of Greenstone and the DENR’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 13 (MGB-RO-XIII) embarked on a day tour of the tourist spots within Agata’s final mine rehabilitation area. Led by FMRDP Officer-In-Charge Ardee Daproza and Pollution Control Supervisor Ivann Nakila, the tour aimed to promote the goals of Agata’s Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Program (FMRDP), which includes the development of agroforestry, eco-tourism, and transforming the former mine site into a training hub for livelihood programs focusing on farming and handicrafts.
During their day tour, the group indulged in a pampering session sponsored by Agata, followed by a values formation session that featured the pivotal role of women in society. Tenement Management and Compliance Director Jesalyn Guingguing delivered a message emphasizing the power and significance of women and their role in the mining industry.
“We are the empowered women of modern society. We are the women of the TVIRD Group leading the movement towards responsible and sustainable mining. And we serve as envoys advocating environmental stewardship.” she declared.
The tour was capped with a final discussion on values at the renowned Payong-payong Resort / YEBO Beach – which highlighted the important societal changes led by women.
Balabag Hosts On-Site Pampering
Meanwhile, TVIRD’s Balabag hosted a straightforward yet memorable celebration in honor of Women’s Month, kicking-off with a tree planting activity in the morning. The participants then engaged in an Abaca handicraft workshop sponsored by the company’s Sidlak Techno-Demo Farm, which is managed by its Community Relations Department.
The company’s female employees also received a fire safety learning session from the Health and Safety Department, equipping them with practical skills in case of a fire incident – and which showcased the bravery of women in Balabag. The day was concluded with a pampering session, providing the ladies with a well-deserved opportunity to unwind after their day-long activities.
“I am very grateful for how TVIRD gives importance to us women and how the company empowers us every step of the way. I have never experienced any discrimination based on my gender throughout the years that I have been working with TVIRD,” said Community Relations Superintendent Meriam Embate.
Siana’s Joyful Women’s Month Celebration
Greenstone commenced their Women’s Month celebration at the Siana Gold Project with a commemorative program attended by its female employees, Agata personnel, members of the TVIRD Group’s two Mabakas Techno-Demo Farm Schools, students from Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture and Technology (SNCAT), and members of the indigenous community.
Livelihood instructors from SNCAT taught the women how to make delicacies like Longganisa, Siomai and Embutido – which the women took home to their families.
TVIRD Chief Finance Officer Cynthia Delfin expresses her admiration for the women of Greenstone and emphasized the importance of empowering women to nurture lives.
“With every choice that we make every day, we honor ourselves. Women dedicated their lives to bring us where we are now. Let us nurture lives because that’s what are women meant for – nurturing lives. Mabuhay ang kababaihan!” the executive stated.
