Balabag and Siana Teams respectively corner the overall championship and 2nd runner-up at the 71st ANMSEC
A TVIRD Balabag emergency responder races against the clock in the first-aid competition. Trained under pressure to handle crisis situations, the team lorded over the different stages and landed in first placeBaguio City, Benguet / November 2025 – For the second consecutive year, the TVIRD Mining Group has established yet another milestone in safety and emergency preparedness by cornering the championship at the Mine Safety Field Competition during the 71st Annual National Mine Safety and Environmental Conference in Baguio City last November 21.
The sun was warm, the wind was cool and the air was tight as the sound of cheers echoed through the field at the Melvin Jones Grandstand. The Emergency Response Team (ERT) of TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) Balabag Gold & Silver Project was hailed overall national champion while sister company, Greenstone Resource Corporation – operator of the Siana Gold Project – came in strong as second runner-up.
As both teams cemented their reputations as the country’s best, both companies went on to each win a Presidential Mineral Industry Environment Award later that evening at the testimonial dinner that culminated the week-long affair for the local extractives industry.
The Competition
The annual safety competition brought together the finest rescue and emergency teams from across the country’s foremost mining companies. Teams were put through grueling competitions that tested their skills in fire suppression, high-angle rescue, first aid, disaster response and other critical emergency situations. Precision, coordination and composure under pressure were paramount — and the TVIRD Mining Group teams delivered on all fronts.
The Balabag team’s victory – a remarkable back-to-back championship at that – is the result of years of training and meticulous emergency drills to simulate real-life crisis situations. Observers noted the team’s seamless teamwork, sharp technical execution and calm demeanor that ultimately distinguished them from the competition.
Adding to the group’s collective success, the Siana team placed as first runner-up in the Fire Extinguishment Category and overall second runner-up in the national competition. The recognition underscores Greenstone’s dedication to continuous safety improvement, capacity building, and fostering a culture of preparedness among its workforce.
In addition, the Siana team also recently won the first runner-up title at the recent Bureau of Fire Safety (BFP) Caraga Regional Fire Competition in Patin-ay, Prosperidad Municipality in Agusan del Sur, where the newly recruited ERT members exhibited their fire safety and emergency response capabilities.
“Both teams demonstrated what it means to be truly prepared. Our collective mindset is that our comeback this year is personal,” said TVIRD Mining Group Safety and Health Manager Aldrin Arieta who directly managed both teams’ rigorous training programs, advanced safety protocols and mental preparation in order to focus on readiness.
Safety as a Culture
The group’s thrust, “Safety Begins with Me, Let’s Go for Zero Accident,” highlights its high level of preparedness. More than trophies, the recent achievements of the Balabag and Siana teams are a testament to TVIRD’s commitment to operational safety as it continues to set new benchmarks in both regional and national industry competitions as well as real-life crisis situations.
“Their discipline and commitment to safety are not just for competition. They reflect the standards we uphold every day at our sites – protecting employees, stakeholders and the community,” Arieta added.
Safety is a shared mission for TVIRD – one that unites the organization across its project sites. It is a joint commitment that reinforces a sense of purpose among personnel and beneficiary communities alike.
To date, TVIRD harnessed community-based Emergency Response Teams in Balabag and Siana by bringing advanced emergency preparedness skills to the people. The communities now have the capacity to respond to emergencies and handle crisis situations themselves. And by strengthening local resilience, TVIRD has fostered a culture of safety both in its organization and the communities that placed its trust in the company.
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