The Agata Emergency Response Team (ERT) captures the Caraga Fire Brigade Championship Title
Surigao City, Philippines / October 2019 – Held every two years in the country’s mining capital, Surigao City, the 5th Caraga Mining Symposium and Field Safety Competition this year hosted more than 25 mining companies who proved their mettle on the ground for the chance to emerge as the region’s best. Battling among 16 teams – and after months of rigorous training and winning provincial competitions – the Agata Emergency Response Team emerged as the Caraga Fire Brigade Champion, seizing first place in the Fire Extinguishment Event (new record set: 29 seconds) and second place in Busted Hose and Up-the-Ladder Challenge (record set: 54.21 seconds).
Aside from capturing the overall Fire Brigade Championship for the entire Caraga Region, the team likewise took home the Most Disciplined Award and Best in Uniform.
During the symposium proper, Environment Manager Jesalyn Guingging also delivered a presentation on Agata’s Ridge-to-Reef Community-Based Environmental Programs while the Agata-supported Hugis Dance Project from Libertad National High School also won the interpretative dance competition.
A responder’s challenge
Agata’s team of emergency responders is bourne from the company’s commitment to ensure a safe and healthy work environment as well as communities that are resilient to natural disasters. The members are its employees from the communities themselves: maintenance personnel, electricians, statisticians, encoders, mine checkers and aides who volunteered their time to be trained by the company’s Safety Department and be part of its elite team.
They undergo regular screening and lead the company’s Annual Safety Olympics, which engages all employees, contractors and stakeholders from the community in various competitions. Aside from their daily functions in their respective departments, these volunteer-responders are given further physical tests – which is a rigorous process that continues until the scheduled competitions.
“It adds self-confidence knowing that you are trained to save lives. It also inspires my children that their mother can do (such) things,” shared Agata admin personnel Merlisa P. Elmeta, a resident of host Barangay E. Morgado.
Mine Statisticians Sherly Fe A. Labadan and Willie Morales agree that: “It is not easy to undergo training and balance work. But knowing that we can be better and help other people makes it all worth it.”
In the case of Agata electrician, Jelord Jumamil, fire fighting and first-aid rescue trainings help a lot since the nature of his work involves certain risks that need to be mitigated. “If I can save other peoples’ lives, I know I can also save mine,” he said.
The 22-strong Agata ERT is led by Safety and Health Superintendent Aldrin Arieta. Together they hold three consecutive championship titles from the Provincial Safety Olympics initiated by the Bureau of Fire Protection and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office. The team will likewise defend its National Fire Brigade Championship title at the 2019 Annual National Mine Safety Environment Conference this November in Bagiuo City.
Higher standards, safer workplace
Agata’s top-to-bottom approach in delivering its commitment includes everyone’s involvement in attaining its Integrated Management System Certification, which includes Quality Management Standards (ISO 9001) and Safety and Health Standards (ISO 45001).
As of late, three of its key officers have become TÜV Rheinland Certified Lead Auditors: Assistant General Manager Anthony B. Quijano, Environment Manager Jesalyn Guingging and Human Relations Superintendent Joey C. Cameros.
With both quality standards as well as health and safety standards in place, Agata currently expands its 17 million safe man hours with no loss time due to accidents since its operations came on-stream in 2014.
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