CTPCMC Awarded as Regional Fire Olympics and Mine Safety Fire Brigade Competition Champions

By: Philippine Resources March 29, 2019

By: Marcelle Villegas

CTP Construction and Mining Corporation is one of the top 5 nickel mines in the Philippines. They operate the Adlay Mining Project and Dahican Nickel Project in Surigao Del Sur. Having a triple ISO certification is just one of the many notable accomplishments of the company. Last year, they were the champion for the 5th Regional Fire Olympics 2018, Industrial Fire Brigade Category in the Caraga Region. The competition was held last June 1, 2018 at Tandag City, Surigao del Sur. Here is an exclusive feature of Philippine Resources Journal as we interviewed Mr Simplicio E. Oliveros III, the Head of Safety and Health Department of CTPCMC.

Fire safety is sometimes trivialized or misunderstood as something that can be accomplished by anyone. However, being a part of a Fire Brigade is not as simple as it sounds. It requires special training and establishing a team of highly competent individuals who are focused, smart and resilient even under pressure. These requirements are essential because the team will be dealing with life threatening situations. Moreover, being a part of the Fire Brigade and Emergency Response Team requires skill, discipline, physical stamina, focus and the ability to analyse and respond to emergency situations quickly and correctly.

For those unfamiliar with a Fire Olympics, this is a competition where each team is subjected to fire emergencies and rescue scenarios. “There is a target where we need to hit with water after replacement of busted hose,” according to Mr Oliveros. This trial involves the use of a 6-feet ladder on 12 ranks. On a typical Fire Olympics, there are trials like Pump and Roll with Turret Target, Raising Ladder, Blitz Attack, and more. “The competition determines the fastest and the most accurate team in extinguishing fire,” he adds. For the Rescue and Transfer Relay Operation, members are to execute the different techniques in carrying a victim.

CTPCMC’s Safety and Health Department’s work is not only limited within the mine site. They also extend their assistance to outside communities where help might be needed. “In terms of emergency response, we recently responded to a road traffic accident between a motorcycle and a bicycle,” Mr Oliveros said. “We were also the first to respond to Typhoon Basiang [in February 2018]. We support the LGU during calamities. We also conducted a First Aid Training and Mine Rescue [training]. This year, we participated in the Regional Fire Olympic. As a matter of fact, we won!”

The Safety and Health Department office has a fascinating array of trophies which reflect his team’s competence and commitment to their work. Their awards include the following: • Champion – Regional Fire Olympics, 2018 (Industrial Fire Brigade Category) • Champion – Regional Fire Olympics, 2017 (Industrial Fire Brigade Category) • Champion – 4th Mine Safety Competition, Mining Summit 2017 • Second Runner Up – Fire Brigade Competition, PMSEA 2017

In the future, they aim to compete in the National Fire Olympic event. He mentioned, “CTP will represent the Caraga region for the National Fire Olympics [in 2019]. Then we also aim to compete in PMSEA for First Aid and the Fire Brigade Competition.”

In general, how does the department adhere to its commitment to excellence? Mr Oliveros states that as an ISO-certified company, they continue improving by monitoring tasks and performance, submission of reports for assessment, and regular meetings.

In terms of safety in the mine site, they implement various safety measures to assure the prevention of accidents. For example, employees are required to wear safety vests, safety shoes, hard hat, etc. Within the office, they have regular monitoring of operations, a monthly Central Assessment Committee Meeting and Contractors Meeting. They also have a weekly Toolbox Meeting for their drivers and operators.

“We are proud to say that we have never had any fatal accidents since 2016,” said Mr Oliveros.

CTPCMC is 100% Filipino owned and has been operating since 2007. Aside from being one of the top 5 nickel mines in the Philippines, they are also the second nickel mine in the Philippines that was awarded three ISO certifications. They passed the ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS certifications last 2016 and in February 2018. It was upgraded to latest versions, namely ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System) and ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) along with its existing OHSAS 18001:2007, certified by TÜV Rheinland.


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