Proclaiming the company’s advocacy from the workplace all the way to the pageant
Greenstone’s very own Engr. Kenneth Tuleles and Ms. Mechei Betonio, RPm hailed as this year’s Ginoo at Binibining Kalikasan by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office in Caraga.Surigao City / July 2026 – Environmental stewardship carries greater meaning when it is reflected by the people who put it into practice. For Greenstone Resources Corporation (GRC), the Ginoo at Binibining Kalikasan 2026 competition became an opportunity to demonstrate how its commitment to responsible mining is embodied by employees whose work drives the company’s environmental goals.
Organized by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office XIII in partnership with the Caraga Mine Environmental Management Council, the event formed part of the World Environment Month celebration held on June 30 at the Philippine Gateway Hotel in Surigao City. The event was themed: “Aksyon Klima: Bayanihang Mapagkalinga sa Kapaligiran (Climate Action: Cooperation that Cares for the Environment),” while the competition recognized individuals who exemplify environmental leadership and encourage greater awareness of sustainability within the mining industry.
Representing Greenstone, Engineer Kenneth Tuleles and Human Resource Specialist Mechei Betonio earned the titles of Ginoong Kalikasan and Binibining Kalikasan for 2026, respectively. They also received several special awards, including the People’s Choice, Best in Production Number, and Best in Sportswear. In addition, Tuleles was named Mr. Photogenic.
Champions of the environment
For Kenneth, the title reinforces a responsibility he already fulfills as a Compliance Engineer – a role that has deepened his understanding that environmental responsibility goes beyond regulatory compliance and depends on everyone’s commitment.
“Compliance is not merely about following regulations – it is about protecting people, supporting the economy, and preserving the environment. It also carries accountability for serving as the company’s internal voice,” he said.
Drawing from his industry experience, Kenneth believes sustainability remains fundamental to responsible mining because it ensures that natural resources are managed with future generations in mind. That framework shaped the advocacy he presented throughout the competition and reflected the principles that guide his work at Greenstone.
Meantime, Mechei likewise embraced the platform with the same sense of purpose. She viewed the competition as an opportunity to continue encouraging employees and host communities to become active participants in environmental protection. She hopes the title will encourage conversations about sustainability by showing that environmental responsibility begins with everyday decisions and grows through shared participation.
“Being proclaimed Binibining Kalikasan 2026 is both an overwhelming and humbling experience. I hope to use this platform to amplify environmental awareness and inspire fellow employees to recognize that environmental consciousness and economic growth can go hand in hand,” she shared.
A unified industry
Among the moments that resonated most with Mechei was seeing mining organizations unite towards a shared advocacy. The gathering illustrated how a common platform can amplify the industry’s commitment to responsible mining. For her, it affirmed that meaningful progress toward sustainability is achieved through collaboration.
The competition also reflected a value that Kenneth considers essential to caring for the environmental: collective action. He credits the unwavering support of the Pusong Greenstone Family for reminding him that lasting environmental initiatives are sustained by people who work toward a common purpose. According to him, that same culture of accountability continues to strengthen Greenstone’s commitment to responsible mining.
Driving responsible through action
More than a pageant for Greenstone, it provided an avenue to demonstrate how the company’s sustainability commitments are reflected through its employees who champion the same principles in their daily work.
Kenneth and Mechei represented the company with authenticity because the advocacy they carried on stage is the same responsibility they uphold in the workplace.
Their recognition underscores the group’s continuing investment in people who serve as ambassadors of responsible mining. By empowering employees to lead conversations on environmental stewardship, the company strengthens public understanding of sustainable mining practices while reinforcing its commitment to creating lasting value for communities and future generations.
*******
