A joint venture project of TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) and MRL Nickel Philippines Inc., AMVI likewise shares the same progressive vision of incumbent Mayor Fidel B. Garcia, Jr. and the Tubay Municipal Board headed by Vice Mayor Raquim Cuyos.
Garcia and Cuyos jointly issued a commendation of the mining company’s contributions that “have brought better economic and socio-cultural conditions (and) its efforts that underscore the essence of responsible mining in our country.”
AMVI assumed major sponsorship of Tubay’s weeklong celebration that ended in the annual Binibining Tubay 2016 beauty pageant. Among 12 candidates representing different local organizations and offices, the Tubay Working Youth Club’s Gypsy Mae Arnado was crowned as the pageant’s winner, and became concurrent Agata Goodwill Ambassador for environment and social development programs.
“Truly this is one pageant that I admire as it resembles Tubay’s simplicity. These local beauties represent every sector with pride and elegance that reflect a community that is always proud of its endeavors,” said guest of honor Rep. Erlpe Amante.
The commemoration also highlighted the town’s economic growth, which is attributed in part to Agata’s mining operations within its 4,995-hectare Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) area.
Fostering goodwill
“AMVI’s participation and resounding commitment towards the growth of our coastal communities have always been a pride, and more so towards the coming years of its responsible implementation of their projects,” declared Binibining Tubay Chair Fe Delia Garcia, wife of Mayor Garcia, during the pageant.
The yearly event was organized by the pageant committee through the municipal tourism office and is supported by the Department of Education, Philippine National Police, Working Youth Club, Tubay Women’s Organization, and other sponsors.
AMVI General Manager Engr. Emilio T. Figueroa III and TVIRD Security Director (Ret.) Brig. General Emmanuel S. Cayton represented the company and were among the judges who crowned Binibining Tubay.
The anniversary celebration kicked off with sports activities that saw the different offices of the local government in various competitions as well as an inter-barangay basketball tournament for members of the community.
Other activities were a Senior Citizens Day and dance competition organized by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office. Some 10 barangays participated in the competition bested by Barangay Poblacion, which captured the title.
“The anniversary of Tubay reminds us not just of our success, but also our past which we owe to our senior citizens. Without them, Tubay will not consist of competent workers and residents who are mindful of their environment. It reminds us to always respect our elders,” said Vice Mayor Cuyos during the event.
Cuyos likewise spearheaded the Alay Lakad and Tree Planting along with Agata Community Relations VP Edsel Abrasaldo, as they led over 200 employees and residents in a walk from the municipal hall to Barangay Tanog-tanogon, where they planted more than 200 seedlings along Kalinawan River, AMVI’s adopted tributary.
The Sanggunian Bayan and Barangay Awards Night likewise recognized the efforts of distinguished constituents and organizations in the fields of public service, local projects, and various best practices in their communities.
Progress and development
The Agata mining tenement includes four of Tubay’s barangays that have since benefitted from the miner’s Social Development Management Projects (SDMP): Lawigan, Tinigbasan, Tagpangahoy and Binuangan. The bulk of its mining operations is conducted within the town and extends to neighboring Jabonga and Santiago municipalities.
Tubay and AMVI share a common development roadmap in harnessing its vast mineral resources and developing its dedicated human capital.
AMVI enhances economic activity in the area through direct employment and the generation of several livelihood programs specifically designed to the needs, resources and capabilities of its host communities. It likewise protects the environment and enhances the community by implementing the same successful social development model of TVIRD, the lead operator of the Agata Nickel Project.
To date, more than 300 jobs have been created for Tubaynons, who receive more than PhP 5.6 million in salaries.
In terms of capacity building, AMVI engaged the country’s Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to conduct its NC2 Light Vehicle Driving and Basic Maintenance Training for 30 trainees.
Five Tubay scholars, whose studies are supported by AMVI, are also taking up mining-related courses in Caraga State University.
The company plans to undertake infrastructure projects such as the improvement of the Tinigbasan-Tagpangahoy access road in order to improve mobility within the municipality.
It also plans to construct a marine sanctuary observation tower in Lawigan, and AMVI already built one for Tinigbasan during last year’s Ocean Month celebration.