A renewed commitment to a healthier ecosystem and a greener environment
TVIRD employees and partners came together on Arbor Day to stage the company’s tree-planting initiative at the waste rock dump area of its Balabag mine site. The location was chosen strategically as part of its ongoing progressive rehabilitation program aimed at transforming the area into a green and sustainable environment.
Bayog, Zamboanga Del Sur / June 2025 – As part of the nationwide observance of Arbor Day, TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) employees at the company’s Balabag Gold-Silver Project commemorated the occasion on June 25 by staging a tree planting activity at the Waste Rock Dump (WRD) 2 of its mine in Sitio Balabag, Bayog Municipality in Zamboanga Del Sur Province. More than just a tree-planting activity, the day was filled with educational sessions, team-building activities, and heartfelt messages on giving back to our planet. Embracing the occasion and teeming with positivity, key TVIRD personnel planted 250 Mulberry seedlings in the area.
Seeds of Hope
All employees from every department, along with service contractors, united in an effort toward environmental rehabilitation. The day began with a solemn prayer, followed by an inspiring message from General Manager Noel M. Manrique, who spoke about the importance of Arbor Day and the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability while PCO Supervisor Vincent Rene Namoc emphasized and further elaborated on its significance to TVIRD.
With the location’s unique terrain in mind, key officers made a deliberate choice in its planting strategy. Opting for shallow-rooted species such as Mulberry Trees, the team ensured the stability of the Waste Rock Dump through preventive measures. Mulberry Trees were also chosen for their fast growth, high survival rate, and their ability to provide shade and food for local wildlife.
“As an environmentally conscious company, TVIRD upholds conservation initiatives that will not only co-exist with the surrounding flora and fauna but also sustain it after the life of the mine,” emphasized TVIRD Environment Manager Jjam Cutillas.
He added, “Our Arbor Day initiative is not just a corporate responsibility, but also an essential awareness campaign on the importance of environmental conservation and to remind everyone of the vital role trees play in our lives.”
By ensuring the team’s dedication to foster environmental rehabilitation and a greener, sustainable future for all, TVIRD continues to convey that even beyond its operations, its heart remains rooted in service, care for the environment, and the people it serves.
United for a greener future
Often referred to as the tree planter’s holiday, Arbor Day is the oldest environmental holiday on the calendar that was first celebrated in Nebraska, United States, in 1872 as a movement to promote the value of trees in communities. Today, it is celebrated as an environmental observance worldwide in over 50 countries, each marking the occasion in unique ways from ceremonies to recognizing community stewards, to cleaning natural areas and supporting conservation districts.
Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 643 and Republic Act No. 10176, Arbor Day is commemorated in June in the Philippines, serving as a call to action for both public and private sectors to participate in reforestation and sustainability initiatives.
Through these initiatives, TVIRD continues to underscore its responsible mining efforts, ensuring that environmental care remains at the heart of its operations. As the seedlings take root, so too does the hope for a healthier natural environment — a living testament the legacy the company imparts to future generations.
