Empowering Indigenous Communities with Long-Term Livelihood, Education, and Environmental Stewardship
Greenstone’s Community Relations Office Supervisor for IEC, Larry Franz Goña, happily poses with two women from the Mamanwa tribe. This local Indigenous tribal group lives near the Siana Gold Project Site.
Tubod, Surigao del Norte / February 2025—Greenstone Resources Corporation (GRC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of TVIRD and operator of the Siana Gold Project, has long been dedicated to fostering strong, mutually beneficial relationships with the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community. As a responsible mining company, Greenstone ensures that its operations positively contribute to the development and well-being of its host and neighboring communities, particularly the Indigenous cultural groups that have long inhabited the lands surrounding its project site.
Sustainable Livelihood Programs
Greenstone actively supports the economic empowerment of Indigenous Peoples through various livelihood programs. The company has initiated sustainable agriculture and handicraft-making projects that provide alternative income sources for the IP community. Greenstone helps strengthen self-sufficiency while preserving cultural heritage by equipping them with skills and resources.
Kahlil Pope Tabernero, Greenstone’s Community Relations Office Manager, expressed, “For us at Greenstone, mining is not just about extracting resources—it is about building relationships and uplifting communities. Seeing Indigenous families thrive through our livelihood programs, like the Mabakas Techno Demo Farm, reminds us why we do what we do. It is about creating lasting opportunities that honor their traditions while helping them secure a better future.”
One key initiative within this program is the Mabakas Techno Demo Farm, which serves as a training ground for Indigenous farmers. The farm promotes sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring the IP community can access modern techniques while maintaining traditional farming knowledge.
Education and Capacity Building
Recognizing the importance of education in empowering Indigenous youth, Greenstone continuously provides scholarship grants and educational assistance to IP students. The company collaborates with local schools to enhance educational facilities, supply learning materials, and conduct training programs tailored to the needs of Indigenous learners. These efforts aim to bridge academic gaps and create more opportunities for the younger generation within the IP community.
“Education has the power to change lives. Whenever we see an Indigenous student graduate through our scholarship program, we are reminded that our responsibility goes beyond business—giving young minds a chance to dream bigger, reach higher, and create their path forward,” Tabernero stated.
Infrastructure and Community Development
Greenstone’s commitment to Indigenous welfare extends to infrastructure development that benefits their communities. Through its Community Royalty Development Program, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the company has improved the quality of life for the Indigenous population by providing better access to clean water, transportation, and communal spaces for social and cultural activities.
Health and Well-being Initiatives
Healthcare is another primary focus of Greenstone’s community development efforts. The company regularly conducts medical missions, vaccination drives, and nutrition programs to ensure the well-being of Indigenous families. Collaborating with local health agencies and professionals allows Greenstone to provide free medical consultations, distribute essential medicines, and educate the IP community on preventive healthcare practices.
Preserving Indigenous Culture and Heritage
Greenstone deeply respects Indigenous Peoples’ customs and traditions. The company actively participates in and supports cultural celebrations, rituals, and heritage conservation efforts. By fostering cultural preservation programs, Greenstone helps maintain the rich traditions and identities of the IP community while promoting inclusivity and awareness within its operational areas.
A Commitment to Inclusive and Responsible Mining
Greenstone’s engagement with Indigenous Peoples is anchored in respect, transparency, and collaboration. By working closely with IP leaders and organizations, the company ensures that its programs meet the genuine needs of the community. Through inclusive development strategies, Greenstone remains steadfast in its mission to uphold Indigenous rights while promoting sustainable progress for all stakeholders involved.
“When we work hand in hand with the Indigenous community, we’re not just partners—we become family. Their stories, struggles, and aspirations drive us to do more. At Greenstone, we support their development; we stand with them, ensuring that growth and progress leave no one behind,” Tabernero added.
As Greenstone continues its responsible mining operations, it remains committed to being a growth partner and a catalyst for positive change within the Indigenous communities it serves. Through these dedicated efforts, the company reinforces its role as an organization that prioritizes people, sustainability, and the responsible use of natural resources.
