The 70th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) highlighted the importance of safety and preparedness in the mining industry through the conduct of the annual Mine Safety Field Competition. The activity was jointly organized by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Central Office (CO), and the Cordillera Administrative Region, through the Mine Safety, Environment, and Social Development Division (MSESDD) on November 22, 2024 at the Melvin Jones Football Grounds in Baguio City.

This year’s competition, held under the theme “Endurance and Innovation for Sustainability,” brought together mining companies from across the country to demonstrate their proficiency in emergency response and mine safety practices. The event provided a platform for participants to showcase their skills, highlighting the crucial role of safety in mining operations and emergency preparedness.

The event began with a lively parade, featuring the Baguio City National High School Band and the Saint Louis University Band, which marched from SM City Baguio along Session Road to the Melvin Jones Football Grounds. This vibrant procession was attended by delegates from the MGB CO and Regional Offices, mining companies, service contractors, suppliers, as well as various civic and academic groups.

The competition featured six dynamic events: (1) First Aid, (2) Fire Extinguishing, (3) Hand Mucking; (4) Machine Drilling; (5) Tug-of-Peace, and (6) Fire Brigade Competition. Participating teams from across the minerals industry were tasked with demonstrating their abilities to handle real-life scenarios related to mine safety. The challenges were designed to assess each team's capability in responding to mine/mill accidents and emergencies while promoting safety practices that are crucial to the health and well-being of mine workers and their communities.

One of the most anticipated events was the First Aid Competition, where teams faced time-limited scenarios requiring them to administer first aid under pressure. Teams were judged based on their response time, adherence to standard operating procedures, and the accuracy of treatment. Infractions, such as exceeding time limits or errors in procedure, resulted in point deductions. Similarly, the Fire Brigade Competition, involving both a "Busted Hose" and "Up-the-Ladder" scenario, tested the teams’ fire-fighting skills and coordination.

Other exciting competitions included the Hand Mucking event, where participants demonstrated their strength and endurance, and the Machine Drilling competition, which required precision and efficiency in using drilling machinery. The Tug-of-Peace competition, a test of strength and teamwork, also drew much attention as teams faced off in a friendly yet intense battle.

The judges for the field competitions were representatives from MGB CO and Regional Offices. Also, personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Baguio City Fire Department were tapped as judges for the Fire Brigade Competition.

Engr. Jeremias Dolino, PMSEA Board Director and Chairman of the Mine Safety Field Competition Committee, and Engr. Marcial H. Mateo, Chief of MSESDD, MGB CO, was on hand to award plaques and medals to the winning teams during the ceremony.

The following are declared winners of the 2024 Mine Safety Field Competition:

1. First Aid Competition

2. Fire Extinguishing Competition

3. Fire Brigade Competition (Busted Hose and Up-the-Ladder)

4. Hand Mucking Competition

5. Machine Drilling Competition

6. Tug-of-Peace Competition

By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division

First Aid Competition                                                                                          First Aid Competition

Fire Extinguishing Competition                                                                             Tug-of-Peace Competition

Fire Brigade Competition                                                                                              Fire Brigade Competition

Hand Mucking Competition                                                                                            Machine Drilling Competition

              Awarding of winners by Engr. Jeremias Dolino, PMSEA President, and Engr. Marcial H. Mateo, MSESDD Chief of MGB CO.   

Emcees of Mine Safety Field Competition: Engr. Jan Jeremiah V. Villaroman, Engineer III of MGB CO MTD (Left) and Engr. Marcial H. Mateo, MSESDD Chief of MGB CO (Right).