A heart of gold

I have always thought that it is an unfair generalization to say that “all mining companies are bad.” I have always wanted to get some evidence that there are what we call  “responsible miners” out there as exceptions to the prevailing view.

And so, like a refreshing whiff of wind, word came to me from my friends in Masbate (where I lived for many years) that a tandem of two mining companies – under the umbrella group of Masbate Gold Project (MGP) – have helped transform the largest town in Masbate, Aroroy, from a fourth class municipality to a first class town.  Aroroy is a sprawling town spanning 44,030 hectares.

The two firms are Filminera Resources Corp. and Phil Gold Processing & Refining Corp. Filminera is the holder of the Environmental Compliance Certificate, the mining tenements, surface rights and the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) over the mine site in Aroroy. Phil Gold is the holder of a mineral-processing permit and owns and operates the processing plant.

When  Gina Lopez was Environment Secretary, she cited the two MGP firms as a “model mine for community development.” Also during Gina’s time, MGP signed a memorandum of understanding with DENR and Aroroy to develop an Integrated Area Development Program (IADP).

It is noteworthy that all these positive developments were going on while the DENR was closing mine sites which were found to be damaging the environment.

Aside from being responsible miners, both firms have proven to be “responsive miners” – responsive to the needs of the people of Aroroy in particular and Masbate in general. They have already poured in millions of pesos to greatly enhance the socio-economic development situation in the area.

Notably, Filminera and Phil Gold have created over 1,600 jobs, 80 percent of which are filled by residents of Masbate. The companies also embarked on a massive mangrove reforestation project in eight coastal barangays of Aroroy town with the help of local fisherfolk.

The two firms have been pursuing corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and a Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) – which have been credited for conferring first class municipality status to Aroroy town.

MGP’s main CSR program is called “Project iSmile,” which has already benefited the disabled, those with congenital or acquired physical defects.

And MGP’s SDMP implementation program was launched as early as 2009. Filminera and Phil Gold introduced an Integrated Farming and Livelihood System (IFLS) that benefited around 900 recipients.

The mining firm also helped construct roads, installed electrical and potable water supply systems, and built and refurbished multi-purpose buildings, school houses, covered recreation and sports centers that also serve as evacuation centers, health centers and chapels.

Through its health program, the company had sponsored feeding programs for hundreds of malnourished children. Since the start of its operations, the MGP firms annually have been allotting 1.5 percent of their operating costs for the development of the host and neighboring communities to promote the general welfare of their residents. Through SDMP, MGP spent about P260 million from 2009 to 2015, with P79.2 million or 30.5 percent allotted for education.

Recently, the two MGP companies have crossed boundaries in order to respond to the urgent need of Bicolanos in Albay, specifically residents affected by the eruption of Mayon Volcano.

Filminera and Phil Gold were joined by other mining firms, which shelled out an initial amount of P 7.7M worth of tents for temporary schoolrooms for displaced students, emergency relief, temporary shelter and medical supplies. A large portion of the aid came from MGP.  

Newly elected chairperson of Filminera Gloria Tan Climaco said the firm is working with the regional offices of the DENR and Mines and GeoSciences Bureau (MGB) to provide more assistance to the evacuees.

Ray Mead, Phil Gold president, said, “The company’s social responsibility extends beyond Masbate and into the entire region.”

Aroroy’s former name is Al-Oroy, which, in turn, comes from a Spanish word for gold – or “oro”. It was established in 1822 at the arrival of a Chinese expedition, which had brought merchants to Aroroy to improve gold coins near a river.

We have a charming summary about this story:

A town named after precious gold is experiencing breakthrough development because two firms devoted to developing and producing gold – have truly shown themselves to  have a “heart of gold.” 

* * *

At The Wednesday Forum held at the UCCP-Cosmopolitan Church where Presidential spokesperson  Harry Roque was the guest speaker, Bishop Jessie Suarez gave the opening biblico-theological reflection in which he spoke about the role of Christians in government. The bishop’s reflection was eloquently written – a complete copy of which can be provided by Dr. Erlinda Senturias ([email protected]).

Bishop Suarez’s message began with the story of the prophet Hulda (recorded in 2 Kings 22:14-20). Women with the proper qualifications were also anointed prophets. Hulda was giving advice to King Josiah during the rule of the Assyrian Empire. Her role was like that of Harry Roque, an adviser to President Duterte.  As prophet, she  read the signs of the times. She authenticated a book that was found and prophesied that for the people of Judah’s  failure to follow the law, a future of destruction was  expected.  Hulda assured King Josiah that due to his pious life, God has heard his prayer and assured him, “Thou shalt be gathered unto thy grave in peace, neither shall thy eyes see all the evil which I shall bring upon this place.”

“Our country’s situation may not be as worse as Judah,” said  Bishop Suarez. “But we cannot deny the fact that we are faced with colossal problems and challenges like poverty, political schism, inequality, exploitation of the poor, injustices, a drug menace and a lot more. Certainly, the President  needs Solomonic wisdom to find appropriate solutions to all these problems.”

“Those in the inner circle of the President especially the Christians, have important roles to play,” said the bishop. “They need to serve as moral guardians who can influence the decisions of the president in favor of the disadvantaged Filipinos, the exploited and the marginalized. Doing a Hulda would be a best preference.”

The  point that needs to be stressed, he continued, is that “whether you are in Malacanang or in Congress or in the judiciary; whether you are in the super majority or in the minority opposition, you must always be mindful of your Christian responsibility. Every action you take or decision you make as a Christian public servant must always be in keeping with the faith you profess. Certainly, defending an oppressor or shielding the rich exploiters and tyrants is not consistent with what our God wants us to do. A Christian public servant abhors corruption and rejects fraudulent propositions. A Christian public servant stands steadfastly with truth and righteousness, defends the powerless and the helpless people. For as the Bible clearly instructs in Psalms 82: 3, “Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.”

* * *

Email: [email protected]