SANTIAGO CITY (PIA) – A mining company in Cagayan Valley showcased its best practices that benefited its host communities and various stakeholders.
During the 2024 Stakeholders Forum at the Casa Jardin in Santiago City, Isabela, initiated by the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources – Mines and Geosciences Bureau with the theme: “Elevating Responsible and Sustainable Mining towards Stronger Community Partnerships”, the FCF Minerals presented various community initiatives and projects.
Engineer Amyfe Adap, enterprise development specialist, showcased the FCF Minerals’ exemplary practices in the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) which highlighted the company’s approach to sustainable community development and plans for the transition period as the mine life nears its end.
Rodora M. Damaso, a former SDMP scholar and now serving as a rehabilitation officer, and Freda Escano, president of Runo Sewing Services, shared their inspiring stories pinning the benefits of the SDMP that transformed their lives and families for the better.
Vicente Sapinit, human resources manager, detailed FCF Minerals’ best practices for their employee’s welfare and emphasized the company’s dedication to providing benefits and ensuring the well-being of its workforce.
“This is now our second conduct of the Stakeholders Forum as a venue to expose, showcase, and highlight the best practices of our mining companies in the region as partners for socio-economic development and progress,” MGB Regional Director for Cagayan Valley Mario Ancheta said.
He said the regional mining companies’ programs, projects, and activities have been implemented and sustained in collaboration with various government agencies and other partner organizations.
Engineer Edgardo Sabado, provincial planning and development officer of Nueva Vizcaya for instance has enumerated the steps undertaken by the provincial government in ensuring that the assistance of mining companies passes through proper government processes and procedures and in support of the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991.
Eva Doniego, supervising technical education and development specialist of TESDA in Nueva Vizcaya, also highlighted the honing of skills of community stakeholders in preparation for the ‘Life after Mine’ stage. (OTB/BME/PIA NVizcaya)
