Sagada, Mountain Province—From March 24 to 28, 2025, a five-day mine rescue training program equipped members of the Northern Sagada Small-Scale Miners Association, Inc. with essential skills and specialized rescue equipment to manage mining-related emergencies effectively.
The intensive program covered key topics including mine rescue fundamentals, mine gases, ventilation systems, and basic life support techniques. Participants engaged in hands-on activities focused on emergency preparedness, underground search and rescue operations, first aid application, risk assessment, and the use of advanced rescue tools.
To bridge theory and practice, participants took part in simulation exercises replicating real-life emergency scenarios. They practiced life-saving techniques such as CPR, wound care, burn treatment, and bleeding control, while also learning to identify and mitigate hazards to help ensure a safer mining environment.
Expert speakers and trainers from Itogon-Suyoc Resources, Inc. (ISRI) and the Sagada Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) facilitated the sessions. Emphasis was placed on safety protocols, hazard identification, and emergency response planning. Training methods, including interactive presentations, open forums, and practical simulations, providing a comprehensive learning experience, were conducted in Barangays Bangaan and Fidelisan, Sagada.
Organized by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Artisanal Gold Council under the planetGOLD Philippines Project, the training was conducted in collaboration with ISRI, Apex Mining Co., Inc., the Sagada MDRRMO, and the recipient mining association The initiative aims to strengthen disaster preparedness and enhance emergency response capabilities among small-scale miners and their communities.
The training supports Component 3: Better Techniques of the planetGOLD Project, a global initiative to eliminate mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining.
MGB Personnel with the ISRI Mine Rescue and Safety Trainers
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Mr. Dhenver C. Lagasi (MDRRMO speaker) and participants during the Mine Rescue and Safety Training
Mr. Arnold Celino (ISRI speaker) and participants during the Mine Rescue and Safety Training
Small-Scale Miners Simulation of Mine Rescue and Safety Training in the underground
Small-Scale Miners Simulation of Mine Rescue and Safety Training at Heights
By: Mining Technology Division