Mining company empowers community thru training

Friday 22nd of June 2012

MRL Gold Philippines, Inc. has provided training and helped people find jobs since it began operations in 2006, said Ms. Jesalyn A. Guingguing, Environmental Manager and OIC for Community Relations.

The company has organized training on solid waste management, coastal resource management, marketing, among others. Among the sectors that attended these were indigenous people, farmers, fisher folks, women, youth and children. The said trainings were conducted in partnership local government units, academe, and national government agencies.

As of 2012, at least 679 stakeholders have graduated from these trainings.

Of the total, at least 55 were employed by the company, 15 were employed in other establishments, 115 became entrepreneurs, and 6 took higher education courses with MRL support.

Among the beneficiaries were:

Bernie S. Nanoy, 29, and president of the DOLE-registered Coro Mamanwa Community Organization – said that with the help of MRL and the LGU, his group was able to secure a settlement area. They also availed of livelihood trainings and exposures, and started entrepreneurial activities like selling bags and slippers with the use of hyacinth and other indigenous materials, plus fishing and agricultural pursuits for a living.

Ms. Ailyn B. Lasutan of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, was one of those who graduated in MRL’s Mobile Computer Literacy Program (MCLP). Shortly after graduation, she was absorbed by MRL as Assistant Trainer for MCLP. Ms. Zaiton N. Sumpo, Lead Trainer of MCLP, revealed that Ms. Lasutan was hired because she is diligent and a fast learner.

Mr. Avelino A. Buyo – another Assistant Trainer, 26 years of age, of pure Mamanwa descent, and who is on regency status as a seminary graduate – is not a product of MRL’s development intervention. But because of his capability and credentials, plus the fact that he is a native in the community, he was absorbed by MRL to help in mentoring trainees under the MCLP. (NCLM/Gervacio Dauz, Jr./TESDA-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Caraga)