Community-led revegetation breathes life into post-mining landscapes
TVIRD Environment Manager Jjam Cutillas EnP, initiates and leads the company’s community-wide tree-planting program at the Balabag Project. The program is designed to rehabilitate the mine site progressively during its operations, starting with the planting of fast-growing grasses and eventually native tree species.Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur / August 2025 – At TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD), rehabilitating the environment is not just a matter of compliance; instead, it’s a long-term commitment deeply rooted in the organization’s respect for nature’s healing processes. Guided by the innovative principles of natural plant succession, the company’s approach to revegetation mirrors the natural growth of forests over time. This same dedication is a cornerstone of TVIRD’s operations, ensuring a lasting positive impact on its surrounding natural environment.
This method, while simple and cost-effective, has proven highly effective in restoring wildlife habitats. It begins with planting fast-growing grasses, followed by shrubs and vines, and eventually native tree species that form mature woodlands. TVIRD strengthens this approach by cultivating suitable, indigenous plant species in its own nursery – homegrown seedlings that will support reforestation efforts and are suitable for the local environment.
Environmental Manager Jjam Cutillas explained, “At TVIRD, rehabilitation is not just the title of our manual — it’s a long-term promise to nature. We follow nature’s rhythm in healing the land, allowing vegetation to return in the same order they once grew.”
As of June this year, 31.88 hectares of disturbed areas have already been successfully rehabilitated in Sitio Balabag, with pioneering grasses and shallow-rooted fruit trees establishing the foundation for future growth and biodiversity.
A massive undertaking
TVIRD’s impact goes well beyond the restoration of its mined-out areas. To date, it has also established plantations within and beyond its mining areas, totaling an aggregate 1,136 hectares. This huge total area translates to more than 1.2 million trees planted — an impressive effort backed by a remarkable survival rate of 94.10% that is a result of rigorous care and monitoring practices, ensuring that the trees are not merely planted, but actually thrive in their new environment.
“What makes our work meaningful is knowing that every tree we plant has a purpose, whether it’s to bring back wildlife, stabilize the soil, or one day be part of a larger forest. We take pride in growing most of these from our very own nursery and using native species that truly belong to the land,” Cutillas added.
Regenerating forests the natural way
TVIRD also champions Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) – a sustainable method focused on enhancing existing forest vegetation and allowing nature to lead the way. In collaboration with DENR Region IX, strategic areas within the company’s mining area were identified for this initiative, which involves nurturing naturally growing trees, planting indigenous species, and ensuring consistent maintenance and protection.
As of June 2025, a total of 456.44 hectares of ANR and an enhancement plantation were established, wherein earth-balled saplings and wildlings were planted in compliance with Special Tree Cutting and Earth-balling Permit (STCEP) conditions. Out of that total area, the 152.67-hectare enhancement plantation was established from July 2024 to June 2025, wherein 152,670 indigenous and fruit tree species were planted within the MPSA, mostly dipterocarp species. Additionally, 1,667 bamboo trees covering an area of 8.33 hectares were also planted during the period.
“Our environmental programs are driven by a shared commitment — one that every employee participates in. From weekly tree planting activities to major rehabilitation projects, we all play a part in rebuilding what nature has given us. And that’s something we take to heart,” Cutillas concluded.
Environmental awareness is deeply instilled in the TVIRD Group’s culture. Through its weekly tree-growing program, various departments come together regularly to plant and care for the land.
Everyone in TVIRD has a role to play in restoring the balance of nature. All have a purpose for every week and every season.
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