The 6th Caraga Mining Symposium and Safety Competition was held on October 6 to 7, 2020.
With the theme “Caraga Mining Industry: Moving Forward Responsibly and Taking the Challenges”, the event was spearheaded by Chamber of Mines of Caraga Region, Inc. in partnership with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII, Caraga Mine Safety and Health Council, Community Relations, Education & Development Officers Organization Caraga, Inc., Caraga Mine Environmental Management Council, Inc. and Philippine Society of Mining Engineers-Caraga Chapter.
Aimed at exhibiting the readiness of Caraga mining companies and contractors in responding to calamities and other emergency situations, the Safety Competition was organized by the Caraga Mine Safety and Health Council, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Bureau of Fire Protection Caraga Regional Office and the Philippine Red Cross-Surigao Chapter, on October 6 at the Provincial Sports Complex. It The safety competition aims to highlight the readiness of Caraga mining companies in responding to calamities and other emergency situations.
The following mining companies and contractors took part in the competition:
Agata Mining Ventures, Inc.
Cagdianao Mining Corporation
CTP Construction and Mining Corporation
Greenstone Resources Corporation
Hinatuan Mining Corporation
Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation
Mindanao Mineral Processing and Refining Corporation
Philsaga Mining Corporation
Platinum Group Metals Corporation
Pacific Nickel Phils., Inc.
Silangan Mindanao Mining Company, Inc.
Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation
Taganito Mining Corporation
TVI Resource Development (Balabag Project)
MTEL Trading and Manpower Services
Polaris Construction and General Services
Tango Romeo General Construction
Below is the list of competition winners:
First Aid Competition
1st Place
Philsaga Mining Corporation
2nd Place
MTEL Trading and Manpower Services
3rd Place
Greenstone Resources Corporation
Fire Brigade
Rescue and Transfer Relay
CTP Construction and Mining Corporation
Combination of Busted Hose Replacement and Up-the-Ladder
CTP Construction and Mining Corporation
Fire Extinguishment
Taganito Mining Corporation
Minor Awards
Best in Yell
Agata Mining Ventures, Inc.
Best in Uniform
Philsaga Mining Corporation
Most Disciplined
Taganito Mining Corporation
Best Muse
CTP Construction and Mining Corporation
Overall
Champion
CTP Construction and Mining Corporation
1st Place
Taganito Mining Corporation
2nd Place
Platinum Group Metals Corporation
Meanwhile, the Community Relations, Education and Development Officers Organization-Caraga, Inc. and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII conducted the youth convergence called “The Minerals Industry and the Youth of Caraga: Converging for the Future” on the same day at the Philippine Gateway Hotel.
The event aimed to educate the youth on responsible mining and its contributions to socioeconomic progress. Painting and Oratorical Competitions were also held at that time. Scholars of mining companies and selected students of the following schools and universities participated in the event:
- St. Paul University Surigao
- Caraga Regional Science High School
- Surigao del Norte National High School
- Surigao City National High School
- Lipata National High School
- Talavera National High School
- Valencia National High School
- Surigao del Norte State University
- Caraga State University
- Surigao Education Center
- Northeastern Mindanao Colleges
- North Eastern Mindanao State University
At the event, messages were given by Mr. Alex C. Arabis, President of CREDO-Caraga, Inc.; Engr. Larry M. Heradez, Regional Director of Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII; Mr. Guilbert R. Mantala, Vice President for Student Services of St. Paul University Surigao; Ms. Lira L. Poralan, Communications Manager of Nickel Asia Corporation and Ms. Genevieve P. Chua, Community Relations Manager of THPAL Nickel Corporation. Moreover, a good number of mining companies presented their programs, projects and activities in adherence to the four pillars of responsible mining. An open forum ensued after the presentations wherein students and teachers raised mining issues and concerns.
For the intermission number, the Carascian Performing Arts Ensemble of Caraga Regional Science High School, performed a medley of Filipino folk dances to showcase our rich cultural heritage.
Before the event drew to a close, the awarding of the competition winners took place.
Oratorical Competition
1st Place
Jules Acer Jade Dela Peña
Caraga Regional Science High School
2nd Place
Jervy Del Rosario Limen
St. Paul University Surigao
3rd Place
Arlie Kaye Mapa
Caraga State University
Painting Competition
1st Place
“Mining illuminates the Future”
Prince Jairo Sumayang
Caraga Regional Science High School
2nd Place
“Responsible Mining: Forging Economic Growth and Unity amidst Diverse Culture in Caraga”
Rinadeth Apole
Surigao del Norte National High School
3rd Place
“Agwanta”
Janlie Corpus Molinar
North Eastern Mindanao State University
On the same note, very engaging talks and presentations were given at the Mining Symposium on October 7.
No less than Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio delivered a video message for the event. “The theme of this occasion, Moving Forward Responsibly and Taking the Challenges, coincides with the current administration’s call for effective and sustainable reforms given that the mining industry’s role is vital in driving employment, economic returns and increased developments in the surrounding communities. While the local and national governments continue to strongly advocate safe and responsible operations for the nation’s best interests, I am optimistic that this symposium will paint a vibrant picture of the mining industry as responsible investors and stewards of the environment. Let us work together to innovate ways of leveraging our natural reserves and igniting the strength of the mining industry for the betterment of our society and nation. Patuloy nating mahalin ang Pilipinas,” Vice President Duterte-Carpio imparted.
Similarly, Hon. Robert Ace S. Barbers, Congressman of the 2nd District of Surigao del Norte, graced the event and expressed his full support to the Caraga minerals industry and its stakeholders. In the same way, Hon. Robert Lyndon S. Barbers, Governor of Surigao del Norte, and Hon. Nilo P. Demerey, Jr., Governor of the Province of Dinagat Islands, took part in the event.
