The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII, in cooperation with the Chamber of Mines of Caraga Region, Inc. and Caraga Mine Environmental Management Council Inc., held the Environment Month Culmination Program on June 27, 2024 at the Philippine Gateway Hotel in Surigao City.
The theme of this year’s celebration is Our Environment. Our Future. It lays emphasis on the idea that the actions we take today to protect and preserve the environment will directly impact the well-being and sustainability of future generations. The program brought together the following mining companies to showcase various talents and promote environmental awareness:
- 4D Ventures and Development Inc.
- AAMPHIL Natural Resources Exploration and Development Corporation
- ADFIL Corporation
- Adnama Mining Resources Inc.
- Agata Mining Ventures, Inc.
- Cagdianao Mining Corporation
- Comet Mining Exploration Corporation
- Carrascal Nickel Corporation
- Century Peak Corporation
- CTP Construction and Mining Corporation
- East Coast Mineral Resources Company Inc.
- Equi-Parco Construction Company
- Greenstone Resources Corporation
- Hinatuan Mining Corporation
- Krominco Inc.
- Kafugan Mining Inc.
- Libjo Mining Corporation
- Manila Mining Corporation
- Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation
- Mindanao Mineral Processing and Refining Corporation
- Norweah Metals and Minerals Company Inc.
- Oriental Synergy Mining Corporation
- Oriental Vision Mining Philippines Corporation
- Pacific Cement Philippines Inc.
- Platinum Group Metals Corporation
- Philsaga Mining Corporation
- Pacific Nickel Philippines Inc.
- SBT Mining Inc.
- Stagno Mining Corporation
- Silangan Mindanao Mining Company Inc.
- Sinosteel Philippines HY Mining Corporation
- SR Metals Inc.
- Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation
- Taganito Mining Corporation
- Vista Buena Mining Corporation/SRMI
- Westernshore Nickel Corporation
The event commenced with the On-the-Spot Photography and Environmental Message Competition in the morning. It aimed to foster visual talents, creativity, and communication skills while promoting sustainable mining, environmental protection, and community resilience among the participating college and high school scholars. The entries conveyed the importance of environmental protection in line with the #EnvironmentForLife campaign of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources which seeks to cultivate a culture of environmental responsibility in all aspects of life.
In the afternoon, the first part of the program took place. Engr. Verlin Marie M. Baldapan, Chief of Mine Management Division of MGB Regional Office No. XIII, delivered the Welcome Message on behalf of Regional Director Larry M. Heradez. The Sayawitan Competition then followed. Participants delivered captivating performances showcasing creative dance and song routines highlighting environmental themes. Supporters enthusiastically cheered for their representatives, creating an atmosphere of excitement. Simultaneously, the photo entries for the On-the-Spot Photography and Environmental Message Competition were judged. The gallery of photo entries was displayed by the venue entrance.
These are the winners of the On-the-Spot Photography and Environmental Message and Sayawitan Competitions:
On-the-Spot Photography and Environmental Message Competition
1st Place
Kent Russel S. Compoc
Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation
Environmental Message: “Pagtudlo nan Gugma sa Kinaiyahan, Sajo Sugdan” #EnvironmentForLife
2nd Place
Mon Adrian Cifra
Carrascal Nickel Corporation
Environmental Message: “Pagpreserba sa atong kinaiyahan,kabatan-unan tudluan! Igiya sila sa kinabuhing adunay pagpakabanal” #EnvironmentForLife
3rd Place
Angelo E. Cañal
Cagdianao Mining Corporation
Environmental Message: “Pagpanalipod sa kalibotan ay dili kabobot-un kundi kini atong responsibilidad, buhata’g dala-kalipay” #EnvironmentForLife
Sayawitan Competition
1st Place
Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation
2nd Place
Platinum Group Metals Corporation
3rd Place
4D Ventures and Development Inc.
The second part of the program started with a vibrant production number introducing the contestants of Ginoo at Binibining Kalikasan 2024. This opening salvo set an enthusiastic tone for the rest of the program. Engr. Francis Glenn N. Suante, Chief of Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division of MGB Regional Office No. XIII delivered the Opening Remarks, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship.
The Interpretative Dance Competition then started with groups of mining community residents and mining company employees presenting expressive routines that encapsulated the environmental theme.
As for the search, the Trash the Runwayand Question & Answer Portion were conducted as the most anticipated parts of the event. Each contestant gracefully walked on stage, wearing their costumes entirely hand-crafted from recycled materials. Following the runway segment, the contestants answered the questions and demonstrated their knowledge and passion for environmental issues during the Question & Answer Portion.
The Board of Judges for the Interpretative Dance Competition was composed of Mr. Jayson B. Como, Engr. Jessie Daryl L. Eviota and Mr. Alfe S. Lito. For the Ginoo at Binibining Kalikasan 2024, the Board of Judges comprised Atty. Rise Faith R. Recabo, Ms. Carissa Rozil M. Quiza and Mr. Lovelito G. Alipao.
Before the announcement of winners, the reigning Ginoo at Binibining Kalikasan 2022, Engr. Dominik Johannes S. Schoenhulber and Engr. Rex Lorraine E. Cayasa-Pagasian took their farewell walk. Following this, the new Officers of Caraga Mine Environmental Management Council Inc. took their oath of office before Engr. Baldapan. Below is the roster of the new council officers:
| President | : | For. Jomer D. Tiamson Hinatuan Mining Corporation |
| Vice President | : | Ms. Anghiliza Marie B. Francisco, RGeol Cagdianao Mining Corporation |
| Secretary | : | Engr. Beann Natural SR Metals Inc. |
| Treasurer | : | For. Andrew Namayan 4D Ventures and Development Inc. |
| Auditor | : | Engr. Miguel Loremia Pacific Nickel Philippines Inc. |
| PRO | : | Mr. Junel Garcia Platinum Group Metals Corporation |
| BOD (SDN) | : | Engr. Vince Ivan Libao Taganito Mining Corporation |
| BOD (SDS) | : | Ms. Yones Rae Elumba CTP Construction and Mining Corporation |
| BOD (ADN) | : | Mr. Ivann Rey Nakila Agata Mining Ventures, Inc. |
| BOD (ADS) | : | For. Gladess Dianne Buot Mindanao Mineral Processing and Refining Corporation |
| BOD (PDI) | : | Ms. Kirstelle Jane Sancho Westernshore Nickel Corporation |
The culmination program concluded with a message from the newly-elected CMEMCI President, For. Jomer D. Tiamson. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the participants and organizers. He also stressed the importance of continued collaboration and commitment to environmental protection for future generations.
After the judges’ deliberation, the announcement of winners for the Interpretative Dance Competition and Ginoo at Binibining Kalikasan 2024 took place. The following are the winners for each category:
Interpretative Dance
1st Place
Hinatuan Mining Corporation
2nd Place
Mindanao Mineral Processing and Refining Corporation
3rd Place
Greenstone Resources Corporation
Ginoo at Binibining Kalikasan 2024
Ginoong Kalikasan
Rolito L. Aloyon II
Greenstone Resources Corporation
Binibining Kalikasan
Arianne M. Valdez
Greenstone Resources Corporation
Ginoong Kalikasan1st Runner up
Alvin Joy E. Destajo
Cagdianao Mining Corporation
Binibining Kalikasan 1st Runner up
Lalaine A. Ligad
Hinatuan Mining Corporation
Ginoong Kalikasan 2nd Runner up
Belly Joe A. Robantes
Hinatuan Mining Corporation
Binibining Kalikasan 2nd Runner up
Anjie Rose A. Galagate
Mindanao Mineral Processing and Refining Corporation
Ginoong Kalikasan 3rd Runner up
Arwin Jay O. Bejoc
Philsaga Mining Corporation
Binibining Kalikasan 3rd Runner up
Carla B. Saragoza
Cagdianao Mining Corporation
Mr. and Ms. Photogenic
Bb. Lalaine A. Ligan
Hinatuan Mining Corporation
G. Rolito L. Aloyon II
Greenstone Resources Corporation
Best in Production Number
Bb. Carla B. Saragoza
Cagdianao Mining Corporation
G. Alvin Joy E. Destajo
Cagdianao Mining Corporation
Best Costume in Trash the Runway
Bb. Arianne M. Valdez
Greenstone Resources Corporation
G. Rolito L. Aloyon II
Greenstone Resources Corporation
In continuation of the culminating activities, the CMEMCI hosted the Clean-up Run 2024 to encourage everyone to maintain a clean and healthy environment through active community participation in waste management. The following mining companies and government agencies participated in the plogging activity:
- 4D Ventures and Development Inc.
- Cagdianao Mining Corporation
- Greenstone Resources Corporation
- Hinatuan Mining Corporation
- Kafugan Mining Inc.
- Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation
- Pacific Cement Philippines Inc.
- Pacific Nickel Philippines Inc.
- Platinum Group Metals Corporation
- SBT Mining Inc.
- Silangan Mindanao Mining Company Inc.
- Sinosteel Philippines HY Mining Corporation
- Stagno Mining Corporation
- Taganito Mining Corporation
- Taganito HPAL Corporation
- Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office
- City Environment and Natural Resources Office
The activity started at around 5:00 AM at the Surigao City Boulevard. Engr. Suante delivered a brief message for all the participants. Following the address, the participants engaged in a warm-up session to prepare for the activity ahead.
The plogging activity commenced shortly after, with a five-kilometer route starting at the Surigao City Boulevard going to Borromeo Street and concluding at Ohana Blacksand Beach Resort located in Barangay Sabang. The participants collected different kinds of waste, especially solid wastes. After reaching the finish line, everyone took a short rest and enjoyed photo opportunities.
The total collected waste per group participant was then weighed and tallied. Also, a raffle draw added a fun twist to the event. Engr. Jose Alfonso A. Casurra, Officer-In-Charge/Special Operations Officer IV of City ENRO, then delivered the Closing Remarks to formally conclude the activity. It was followed by a Zumba session led by Ms. Zin Robelyn Eguña.
On the whole, the two-day event promoted the transformative power of visual and kinesthetic arts and creativity in raising environmental awareness and reinforced the value of community efforts in preserving the environment.
