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.
MGB 2 joins Q4 earthquake drill
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region II joined the 4th quarter earthquake drill today, November 10, 2022. This is to ensure that MGB ROII employees know appropriate actions during an earthquake to prevent injury and death.
Dinapigue Mining Provides Healthcare Access to Dumagat IPs
Dinapigue, Isabela - The Dinapigue Mining Corporation (DMC), a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corporation based in Dinapigue, Isabela organized a medical and dental mission for the Dumagat Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Dinapigue on August 17, 2022.
The medical and dental mission provided needed healthcare to the IPs and residents of Dinapigue who have difficulty availing medical care due to the remoteness of the area.
“Para sa akin po, malaking bagay ito, kasi para sa aming nasa malayo, sa mga ganitong pagkakataon, madalang nangyayari. Kaya malaking pribilehiyo sa katulad kong mga Dinapigueno ang ganitong mga event,’ said Benedict C. Candido, Punong Barangay of Dibulo.
The beneficiaries received health assessment prior to their medical consultation or dental extractions. A total of 247 IPs and non-IP residents benefitted from the medical and dental mission, of which 171 received medical consultations while 76 opted for dental care.
The medical team is composed of five volunteer healthcare workers from Southern Isabela Medical Center (SIMC) Family and Community Health Division headed by Dr. Nezzer Soriano. The dental team on the other hand, was comprised of five volunteer dentists from Unciano College of Dentistry headed by Dr. Yoya C. Tarriela, Former President of the Philippine Dental Hygienists’ Association.
“Our dental team has been doing this for the past six years already. What makes this dental mission interesting for us is that this is our first time ever tying up with a mining company but nonetheless, there’s the usual experience of giving back and paying it forward. The IPs were so appreciative of the help that we gave and them giving us a pat on the back and saying thank you gave us all a feeling of fulfillment,” said Dr. Tarriela.
Funded through the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility budget, the Medical and Dental Mission is the first event of its kind organized since the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Edicia I. Vetriolo, a member of the Digumased tribe who benefitted from the Medical and Dental Mission said “Sobrang naaappreciate naming ang mga medical mission na ganito, lalong-lalo na kaming mga IP.” – with reports from Darien Mitchell C. Bas/Dinapigue Mining Corporation

Mines Bureau 2 joins 68th Annual National Mine Safety Week in Baguio
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office N. II joined the 68th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference organized by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association held in Baguio City on November 15-18, 2022.
With the theme: “68 years of Responsible Mining: Resilience, Reset, Recovery,” the mine safety week kicked off with a press conference led by PMSEA President Louie Sarmiento.
On November 15, a mining exhibit participated in by various mining companies and suppliers of the industry was opened. The mining exhibit showcased the best practices of the industry. It also served as information drive of the mining companies to disseminate their information materials and collaterals to the participants of the event.
The 7th Yaman PH Students Congress and the Community Relations Officers (ComRel) Conference were likewise conducted simultaneous with the sports fest at Baguio Country Club.
Meanwhile, the Mineral Industry Symposium was held at CAP John Hay Convention Center on the following day with Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga as keynote speaker.
The highlight of said mine safety week was the Minerals Industry Parade where delegates filled the Baguio City’s main thoroughfares at 8:00 in the morning with Mineral Industry Parade from Session Road to Melvin Jones where the Mine Safety Field Demonstration and Field Competitions were conducted.
The event was closed with a Testimonial Dinner and Annual Awards Night at CAP- John Hay Convention Center where mining companies were awarded for their best practices in the mining industry.