The string of recent earthquake events in Mindanao particularly in Tulunan, North Cotabato caused significant infrastructure damages with about 50,930 affected and displaced families last October 2019.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the above Magnitude 6.0 scale tremblors were recorded in Tulunan, North Cotabato as epicenter on October 16, 2019 (Magnitude 6.3, 7:37 p.m); October 29, 2019 (Magnitude 6.6, 9:04 a.m.); and October 31, 2019 (Magnitude 6.5, 9:15 a.m.).
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office (RO) No. XII under Engr. Felizardo A. Gacad, Jr., Regional Director, took the effort and initiative to mobilize a relief operation in the earthquake-stricken areas in North Cotabato Province in coordination with the Philippine Society of Mining Engineers (PSEM) Northern Luzon and Caraga Chapters and Teresa Marble Corporation.
The Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) of mining companies were also among the first to respond and provide relief efforts to the earthquake victims.
Likewise, technical assistance, first aid provision, relied goods donation, food packs and beddings distribution, free charging of cellphone and other equipment, solar lamps and water tanks turnover, and installation of light post in the evacuation center were rendered and delivered by the following mining companies, organizations, and academe:
• MGB RO No. XII
• PSEM Northern Luzon and Caraga Chapters
• Teresea Marble Corporation
• Mindanao Association of Mining Engineers (MAEM)
• Paraiso Consolidated Mining Corporation
• Eaglemaster Inc.
• University of the Southeastern Philippines
• Tribal Mining Corporation
• Philsaga Mining Corporation
• Agata Mining Ventures, Inc.
• Sagittarius Mines, Inc.
• Holcim Mining & Development Corporation
• Taganito Mining Corporation
• Taganito HPAL Nickel Mining Corporation
• Cagdianao Mining Corporation
• Hinatuan Mining Corporation
• Apex Mining Co. Inc.
• Platinum Group Metals Corporation
• Kingking Mining Corporation
The tabang, help in Cebuano, extended by the above-mentioned mining companies and other stakeholders are fully reported by the MGB RO No. XII.
By: Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division
Photo 1. A geologist from MGB RO No. XII while conducting geological hazard assessment after the earthquake
Photo 2. MGB RO No. XII geologists using the MGB Geohazard Map during the geological hazard assessment after the earthquake
Photo 3. Earthquake victims showing gratitude to the MGB RO No. XII, PSEM and Teresa Marble Corporation as early responders in their area
Photo 4. MGB Ro No. XII personnel distributing food packs in the affected families
Photo 5. Tribal Mining Corporation ERT
Photo 6. Tribal Mining Corporation ERT while providing technical assistance in the affected area
Photo 7. Food packs distribution courtesy of Philsaga Mining Corporation
Photo 8. Agata Mining Ventures, Inc.ERT while distributing food packs
Photo 9. Sagittarius Mines, Inc. while distributing food packs
Photo 10. Relief goods courtesy of Holcim Mining & Development Corporation
Photo 11. Water containers courtesy of MAEM-USEP
Photo 12. Taganito Mining Corporation ERT while providing rescue and relief operations
Photo 13. Relief goods courtesy of Taganito HPAL Nickel Mining Corporation
Photo 14. Apex Mining Co. Inc. ERT distributing relief goods
Photo 15. Apex Mining Co. Inc. and Hinatuan Mining Corporation ERTs
Photo 16. Platinum Group Metals Corporation ERTs during relief good distribution
