Community Relations confab features corporate social responsibility of mining companies

With the theme: “Building Community Partnerships- Key to Resilience, Reset, and Recovery,” the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) organized the Community Relations Conference held on November 16, 2022 at CAP- John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, CAP John Hay, Baguio City.

Victor G. Obedicen, assistant professor of the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute talked about Building Meaning Relationships with Communities while Executive Director of CEMEX Philippines Foundation, Inc. presented a case study on the critical role of CEMEX during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the other hand, Kahlil Pope Taberno of Greenstone Resources Corporation discussed the legacy of their company in refining their mining operations, nurturing productive, and self-sustaining communities.

Philex Mining Corporation Vice President for Environment and Community Relations Victor A. Franciso talked about community trust as key element in crisis response.

PMSEA President Louie Sarmiento pointed out that Community Relations is a glue that bind the mining industry and the host communities together during the pandemic.

“The ayuda that our mining companies extended on all forms fortifies the resilience of our host communities, thereby allowing them to ride out of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Sarmiento said in his message.

The ComRel Conference aimed to strengthen community relations of the mining companies by providing a venue to benchmark and discuss current issues and developments in community development.

“Indeed, the theme of the Community Relations Conference is an anchor on how to get back to our faith after the devastating pandemic,” Sarmiento said.

The conference was participated in by the community relations officers of the mining companies and national government agencies, information officers, and other stakeholders in the mining industry.