CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, Camp John Hay, Baguio City
20 November 2024
In partnership with the Philippine Mine Safety Association (PMSEA), the technical personnel of the Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development Division (MSESDD) of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) organized the 2024 Community Relations Conference (COMRELCON) on November 20, 2024.
This was one of the highlights of the 69th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) celebration, with the theme: ‘Transforming Community Relations for a Sustainable Tomorrow.’
The Conference officially started at around 9:00 AM with the Welcome Remarks courtesy of the Assistant Secretary for Mining Concerns and OIC Director of the MGB, Engr. Michael V. Cabalda. The President of PMSEA Engr. Luis R. Sarmiento, Asean Eng. introduced the keynote speaker, Honorable Benjamin B. Magalong, Mayor of Baguio City. Engr. Michael V. Cabalda, meanwhile, introduced the next keynote speaker, His Excellency Mr. Harald Fries, the Head of Mission of the Embassy of Sweden.
The first plenary, “Overview of the Sustainable Development Goals
and Implications for the Mining Sector in the Philippines,” was presented by Mr. Jonas Marie A. Dumdum, Senior Consultant of Nomura Research Institute-Manila. A case study was presented by Mr. Michael Kim G. Jimenez, Community Relations Officer, Helix Resources Development Corporation- Lugait Plant, on “Aligning the SDGs: The Helix Way.”
The next segment (afternoon plenary session) was given by Ms. Abegail B. Eupenia, Director III, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, on “Advancing Sustainable Skills Development Through Strategic TVET Partnerships in Davao Region’s Mining Sector.” It was followed by Dr. Al Harvey N. Galorio of Nickel Asia Corporation, who presented “Transformative Community Relations.”
| Photo No. 1. Ms. Abegail B. Eupenia with her presentation “Advancing Sustainable Skills Development through Strategic TVET Partnerships in Davao Region’s Mining Sector.” | Photo No. 2. Dr. Al Harvey N. Galorio of Nickel Asia Corporation with his presentation “Transformative Community Relations.” |
A vibrant intermission number, courtesy of the Tadji Elementary School, under the sponsorship of FCF Minerals, Inc., showcased a song and dance interpretation reflecting Ifugao culture and heritage during the event.
|
Photo No. 3. Students from the Tadjie Elementary School in their performance at the Community Relations Conference. |
The Conference followed the utterance from the presentation of theoretical notes followed by relative case studies and testimonials on harmonizing community relations and sustainable development. Specifically, the subject covered the potential value-adding contribution of community relations practitioners to address vulnerabilities of local communities. One of the highlights of the presentations was the talk of Dr. Severino R. Sarmenta, Jr., an Ateneo de Manila University Lecturer, entitled, “Utilizing a Communication Shield in a VUCA Landscape and Build Community Relations.” Sir Sev Sarmenta, as he is fondly called, is also an active broadcaster of PBA and PVL games.
|
Photo No. 4. Dr. Severino R. Sarmenta, Jr., an Ateneo de Manila University Lecturer, during his presentation “Utilizing a Communication Shield in a VUCA Landscape and Build Community Relations.” |
Community relations and development practitioners, information and communications officers, and other representatives of mining companies, mining communities, government, media, and non-governmental organizations participated in the conference. Moreover, personnel from the MSESDD MGB Regional Offices attended the event. All in all, seventeen conference guests, resource speakers, and 1,025 participants convened at the said conference.
By: Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development Division