GOVPH

Cagayan Provincial Gov’t, Mines Bureau spearhead 1^st Quarry Summit

By: LRB

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. II (MGB R0II) hand in hand with the Provincial Government of Cagayan spearheaded the 1^st Quarry Summit last September 19, 2016 at Hotel Carmelita, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

Dubbed as:”Pabaruen ti Cagayan:  Revitalizing the Quarry Industry of Cagayan,” the summit aims to harmonize the system of quarry operations in the province of Cagayan and to  increase its revenue collection. 

Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba lamented that the province of Cagayan had only collected 2.4 M in quarry fees, as compared to Pampanga’s over billions of pesos.

Based on data of Edwin Beundia, it stated that there are major irregularities in the quarry operations in Cagayan. Gov. Mamba pointed out that during his term there will be a big change in the quarry operations in the province.

The Quarry summit was participated in by over 300 attendees coming from local chief executives, barangay captains, contractors, permittee and representatives of National Government Agencies and other stake holders.

Aussie Ambassador visits Didipio Mine

By: Lyndee Rose Basilio

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Ms. Amanda Gorely visited OceanaGold Philippines Incorporated in Didipio, Nueva Vizcaya last September 13, 2016.

The Australian Ambassador travelled around the mine site including the water treatment facility, Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) projects and the underground mine operation of OceanaGold.

OceanaGold Chairman Joey P. Leviste and David Way, Didipio Mine General manager were present during the visit to accompany the ambassador.

MGB Regional Director Engr. Mario A. Ancheta likewise accompanied Ms. Goyler on her visit at the mine site.

On her twitter account, Ms. Goyler said that,” it was great to learn more about responsible mining.”

RD Ancheta on the other hand said, “the visit of the ambassador is a good sign for the mining industry, this specifically tells us that they want to know more about mining.

“It is a good position for us to prove that what we are doing is a good thing,” RD Ancheta said. 

OGPI Environment Manager bags PCO award

LR Basilio

Engr. Jason Magdaong, OceanaGold environment manager bested other Pollution Control Officers (PCO) in the country for being awarded the General Guillermo Pecache Award as the top PCO for his leadership in the implementation of the mining firm’s Environmental Management System.

The said Environmental Management System aims to exceed compliance requirements by adopting the most innovative and sustainable practices.

Magdaong had garnered the highest points among PCO contenders from various industries throughout the country.

Magdaong’s implementation of Environmental Management System in the Didipio Mine and its adjacent communities which includes the construction and commissioning of rehabilitation of land area within the Financial of Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) area.

Further, the mining firm is actively participating in the National Greening Program of the government that aims to have a massive reforestation program throughout the country.

OceanaGold is also operating its water treatment plant to improve the water balance in the community.

The award is given to those who embody execellence in environmental stewardship.  It was awarded during the 36^th National Annual Convention and General Assesmbly of Pollution Control Association of the Philippines Inc. (PCAPI) where over 200 participating companies attended the said event.

PCAPI is a non-profit and non-government organization to work hand in hand with the government in the protection of the environment.

The award was in honour of then National Pollution Control Commission Commissioner Pecache.

OceanaGold honoured at 8^th Annual Global CSR Summit & Awards 2016

By: Lyndee Basilio

Australian Mining Firm based in Didipio, Nueva Vizcaya, OceanaGold Philippines Inc., was awarded for having ‘Best Workplace Practices’ at the 8^th Annual Global CSR Summit and Awards 2016 at Laguna Bali Report, Indonesia.

The Global CSR Awards 2016 started eight years ago with the aim of creating a Global Standard Event to raise the awareness of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as well as to have a prestigious awards recognition event to recognize companies that have exemplary, innovative, and world class products, services and programs being implemented. It is one of the most prestigious awards program for CSR in Asia.

The Global CSR Awards gives honors to outstanding individuals and companies around the world for their contributions in environment preservation, community transformation and poverty alleviation, women’s rights and welfare, workplace practices and product innovations in CSR.

The seven main award categories namely: Best Community Program Award, Best Environmental Excellence Award, Excellence in Provision of Literacy & Education Award, Empowerment of Women Award, Best Workplace of Women Award, Best Workplace Practices Award, and Product Excellence Award.

OceanaGold bagged for ‘Best Workplace Practices’ for 2016 and likewise received Empowerment for Women Award last 2013.

Out of 200 entries from leading corporations all over the world, a final selection of 42 companies was awarded top honours in the seven main award categories for the Global CSR Awards.

Companies must demonstrate leadership, sincerity and ongoing commitments in incorporating ethical values, compliance with legal requirements, and respect for individuals, communities and the environment in the way they do business.