Unlocking possibilities and empowering the youth
SPES beneficiaries during their office immersion at TVIRD’s Balabag field office, assisting with clerical and administrative tasks as part of their 20-day training.Bayog, Zamboanga Del Sur / June 2025 – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Bayog Municipality Public Employment Service Office (PESO), in partnership with TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD), opened doors of opportunity to aspiring local youths from its community with the successful implementation of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).
The company welcomed 20 student beneficiaries who were given the opportunity to work at its Balabag Gold and Silver Project for a 20-day immersive work program from April 30 to May 13, during which TVIRD hopes to empower young people by providing skills training that will support their future careers.
A new batch of aspirants
Now on its fourth year of implementation, the program continues to provide career prospects for young people from its community. The beneficiaries were assigned to various departments where they performed office-based tasks, such as data handling, warehouse monitoring, encoding and clerical roles — all carefully ensured to be low-risk but nonetheless productive, safe and constructive.
Many of the beneficiaries intimated that the program not only supplemented their family’s income but also helped them develop discipline, improve their skills and gain exposure to a professional work environment. Some earlier participants were even absorbed into the company’s workforce, while others have received scholarships that supported their education through high school and their entire college years.
“As a student, the TVIRD SPES 2025 Program not only helped me financially but also enhanced my skills and prepared me for the reality of employment. It taught me the value of communication and teamwork, shaping both my skills and personality,” according to SPES Beneficiary Rhea Mamasa.
“Thank you, TVIRD, for the privilege of being part of this program. This experience is something I’ll always cherish. In just twenty days, I learned so much and found genuine people who helped me bring out the best in myself,” enthused Kimberly Liwan, also a SPES Beneficiary.
To culminate the program, TVIRD organized a modest gathering and distributed small tokens of appreciation to those who successfully completed the 20-day immersion. By providing such opportunities – including its support to local schools and educational scholarships for mining-related courses – the company empowers students to prepare for their future careers while building a resilient local community.
Lasting opportunities
TVIRD’s participation in the SPES Program is a living testament to its commitment to social responsibility. By investing in the local youth and training future employees, TVIRD helps build a skilled workforce that directly supports the local economy – and ultimately, one that contributes to community development.
The company’s summer work program continues to create a lasting impact, uplifting students, providing both financial assistance and valuable experience that prepare them for future employment.
Over the years, TVIRD made community and youth development a cornerstone of its mission. Among its many inspiring success stories is Christine Joy Hamoy, a former scholar from its Canatuan Gold-Silver / Copper-Zinc Project, who is now a licensed geologist and a valued member of the company’s Exploration Team — a success story in empowering the youth and their families long before the SPES initiative began, and cultivating alumni who now thrive in various fields. All of them are productive citizens.
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