AMVI employees and communities gather in solidarity
Jabonga, Agusan del Norte / January 2016 – Agata Mining Ventures Inc. (AMVI) a joint nickel mining project of TVI Resources Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) and MRL Nickel Philippines Inc., recently staged its annual Community Day – a day of solidarity for the eight barangays that comprise its host communities within its Mineral Processing Sharing Agreement (MPSA) area. The host and neighboring communities in Jabonga, Tubay and Santiago Municipalities of this province are witness to the company’s rise to become one the country’s top nickel producers today. They likewise continue to benefit from employment, livelihood and the overall increased economic activity ushered by AMVI’s operations.
Agata personnel took a break from daily operations and joined local barangay officials and key officers of people’s organizations at the Great Lake Resort in Jabonga where they gathered more than 400 residents from nearby Tubay and Santiago.
The indigenous Mamanwa tribe of Jabonga and Santiago were likewise represented during the yearend celebration as well as partner agencies: the Philippine National Police, Local Government Units and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO).
In addition to celebrating unity, the Agata Community Day highlighted the safety readiness and awareness of each community where AMVI provides the training and upkeep of the respective Emergency Response Teams. The effort is aimed to fully capacitate communities in times of natural or manmade disasters.
In great shape
The program kicked-off at 6 AM with a warm-up Zumba sa Agata led by AMVI Communications Officer Julius De Villa who is a licensed Fitness Instructor. This was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the torch by Community Relations Vice President Edsel Abrasaldo and barangay officials.
“Right from the start, AMVI has dedicated its mining operations to improve the lives of the people in its communities. This year is the most challenging but we have overcome these (challenges) with the help of the community and its stakeholders in obtaining an ISO 14001-2004 Certification, a PMSEA Titanium Award and various recognitions from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and other agencies,” according to the executive.
Meantime, Jabonga Mayor Jasmin Monton also noted the accomplishments brought about by AMVI’s unity with the people it serves. “The possibility of sustainable economic development should always be embraced as Agata’s legacy to us. We should always take pride in our accomplishments and unite further to implement further development in our communities,” declared Mayor Monton as she welcomed the participants.
Earlier, the Mayor reaffirmed the social contributions of AMVI that augmented the economic development of its communities, including her town. The company has been instrumental in mobilizing this positive momentum within two years of operating in the municipality.
“Without AMVI’s commitment towards responsible mining operations (for) the people, the long sought answer to poverty will not be at hand,” she highlighted.
Rescue Olympics
Community-based Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) showcased their skills acquired from AMVI-sponsored Disaster Risk Reduction, Mass Casualty and Basic Life Support Trainings. These were conducted jointly by the company and the Agusan del Norte PDRRMO.
The “Rescue Olympics” pitted Community ERTs among their counterparts and proved their skills in disaster assessment and first aid competitions. They were likewise tested with time and accuracy as each team showcased their splinting, bandaging, and moving and lifting routines.
Following the rigorous contest, the ERT from Barangay Binuangan, Tubay was awarded as champion by PDRRMO Officer Erma Suyo. The agency likewise acknowledged AMVI as the first to uphold its responsible mining commitments down to the community level.
There have been over 1,200 jobs created by AMVI from August 2014 to June 2016 – creating a multiplier effect beyond its mining area and increased economic activity in the areas of the three municipalities. Including its contractors’ personnel, an estimated 1,600 people work at the Agata Nickel Project.
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