The mining industry, as represented by Oceanagold (Philippines), Inc., copped the premier environmental award at the annual national convention of the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines, Inc. at the L’ Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City on May 9.
Manuel Ordoñez Jr., OGPI’s Environment Supervisor, also attained The Outstanding Pollution Control Officer (TOPCO) Award during the convention for establishing an excellent pollution control system at the Didipio Mine in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya.
David Way, OGPI’s General Manager; Bonifacio Labatos Jr., Didipio Environment Superintendent; and Oliver Donato, Environment Officer, accompanied Ordoñez in receiving the Mother Nature Award.
“OceanaGold supports and commends PCAPI’s efforts in connecting industries to resolve a large yet underestimated issue which is pollution. The awards we received are testimonies that the Didipio Mine is equipped with calibrated and innovative environment specialists who are experts in their respective fields,” Way said.
OGPI was also recognized in the convention’s Success Story Category for Ordoñez’ project on the “Reduction of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) of the Didipio River: Improving Water Quality for the Next Generations.”
The criteria in selecting the TOPCO are non-violation of any environmental laws from the PCO’s company for the past three years, successful establishment of an excellent environmental and pollution control system in his/her company, among others.
The event’s theme, “Leading a Positive Environmental Footprint for the Future,” aims to highlight the partnership of private sectors, particularly its Pollution Control Officers (PCO), and the government in establishing sustainable and rigorous systems that could keep the citizenry safe from the threats of widespread pollution.
“While the economic boom for the past few years have benefited our country greatly, it came out at the price of an environmental/health impact that will take years to resolve,” PCAPI President, Jeremiah Dwight Sebastian said.
Sebastian insisted on the need to change the “business as usual” practices that industries are doing. “As our population grows so does our need for resources… The conservation of our natural resources such as water is critical to our long-term survival,” he added.