Greenstone community members participate in capacity building initiative
Greenstone’s Community Relations Manager and concurrent CREDO-Caraga President Kahlil Pope Tabernero explains the long-term development plans for community relations workers in the Caraga mining sector.
Surigao City, Surigao del Norte/ July 2024 – Greenstone Resources Corporation (GRC), operator of the Siana Gold Project in Tubod, Mainit and Alegria Municipalities, and its Representatives of Host and Neighboring Communities (RHNC), jointly took part in a two-day Capacity Building Seminar organized by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office 13 (MGB-RO-XIII) in Surigao City.
The gathering was conducted through the Community Relations, Education, and Development Officers Organization – Caraga (CREDO-Caraga) and focused on strengthening the skills and effectiveness of the representatives in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities in their respective localities.
The training provided valuable insights and skills related to engagement, monitoring, and reporting – which are essential in ensuring that the concerns and needs of local communities are adequately addressed. Key Greenstone personnel and the RHNC team demonstrated their commitment to strengthening collaboration and improving their ability to manage and oversee development programs effectively.
For a stronger community
The initiative to enhance competence was designed to equip community representatives with the necessary tools and knowledge to advocate more effectively for their constituents through productive and meaningful engagements. It is also designed to train them to monitor the implementation and progress of essential development programs and ensure the balanced distribution of benefits from the company’s mining activities.
On the part of Greenstone, this proactive approach underscores its dedication to grassroots development and fostering a collaborative environment where the voices and plans of the people are heard and integrated into the company’s long-term plans. It likewise builds a foundation of mutual trust and cooperation.
Aside from co-organizing the event with CREDO-Caraga, Greenstone also provided expert trainers and resources on key topics, which also included the integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into the SDMP Projects.
Role of the RHNC
The group plays an integral role within the regulatory framework in the Philippines, ensuring that mining companies engage with and address the concerns of local communities affected by their operations. It is primarily governed by the Mining Act of 1995 (Republic Act No. 7942), which regulates the exploration, development, utilization, and conservation of the country’s mineral resources.
The framework further outlines the rights and responsibilities of mining companies and mandates the requirements for community engagement and development. The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Mining Act provide detailed guidelines for applying these provisions, including specifics on the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), which requires mining companies to contribute to the welfare of their host and neighboring communities.
Collectively, the official representatives stand on behalf of the community and have the primary responsibility to engage in consultations with mining companies to address local concerns as well as align these with the company’s plans.
They likewise oversee the implementation of the SDMP and other related programs to ensure that these meet legal requirements, are effectively managed, and uphold the rights and interests of the people.
Through collaboration with RHNC, Greenstone demonstrates its commitment to responsible and inclusive development, building trust, and fostering cooperation for the overall sustainability of its beneficiary communities.
