Makati City, Philippines / December 2024 – TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) clinching the top spot at the National Safety Competition of the recent 70th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) in Baguio City. The Balabag Gold-Silver Project Emergency Response Team (ERT) emerged as the national champion of the fire brigade competition while its subsidiary, Greenstone Resources Corporation – operator of the Siana Gold Project – arrived strong as third runner-up.
This dual success demonstrates the TVIRD Group’s consistency in keeping its ERTs in shape as well as its holistic approach to safety and emergency preparedness across its operations.
The ANMSEC is organized yearly by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) and features an industry parade, mine safety field competitions, a mineral industry symposium, and a testimonial dinner and awards night – which caps the week-long activities with the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Awards.
By encouraging healthy competition in safety practices and emergency response, the ANMSEC underscores the importance of safeguarding the well-being of workers in the mining industry and surrounding communities in host municipalities.
Always ready for action
TVIRD’s strong performance in the competition shows its commitment to maintaining high occupational health and safety standards within its operational framework. Meantime, the respective victories of both teams highlight the company’s preparedness to address the inherent risks of mining activities.
Both teams continuously undergo rigorous training programs, advanced safety protocols, and mental preparation in order to focus on readiness. From fire safety drills to disaster response simulations, these teams go through comprehensive preparation to ensure that they can respond effectively to emergencies, minimizing risks and protecting lives.
“Winning the National Safety Competition is a source of tremendous pride for our teams. This recognition underscores the value of teamwork, discipline and our relentless pursuit of safety excellence,” said TVIRD Safety and Health Manager Aldrin Arieta.
Inspiring a culture of safety
TVIRD Balabag’s past recognitions include the 1st runner-up title at the 2023 Regional Fire Olympics and 2nd runner-up in the Fire Extinguishment Category. In 2018, TVIRD’s Agata Nickel Project won the Fire Brigade Champion title at the Mine Safety Field Competition of the 65th ANMSEC Mine Safety Field Competition.
In addition, both the Balabag and Greenstone teams were crowned champion and first runner-up, respectively, at the 2024 National Fire Olympics of the Bureau of Fire Protection. Greenstone likewise clinched the championship title at the first Surigao del Norte Governor’s Rescuelympics this year.
These accomplishments go beyond trophies, emphasizing the critical importance of cultivating a safety-first mindset across its project sites. By prioritizing the well-being of its workforce and maintaining stringent safety measures, TVIRD hopes to inspire the same safety culture in the Philippine mining industry.
Its ANMSEC’s accolades likewise serve as a reminder of the company’s mission: to balance productivity with the protection of its people and the environment.