For the second consecutive year, the TVIRD Mining Group marked another milestone in safety and emergency preparedness by taking the championship at the Mine Safety Field Competition during the 71st Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference on November 21.
The sun was warm, the wind was cool and the air was tight as cheers echoed across the Melvin Jones Grandstand. The Emergency Response Team (ERT) of TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) Balabag Gold and Silver Project was hailed overall national champion, while sister company Greenstone Resource Corp. — operator of the Siana Gold Project — placed second runner-up.
As both teams cemented their reputations as the country’s best, each company later received a Presidential Mineral Industry Environment Award during the testimonial dinner that capped the weeklong event for the local extractives industry.
The Competition
The annual safety competition brought together top rescue and emergency teams from the country’s leading mining companies. Teams were put through grueling events that tested skills in fire suppression, high-angle rescue, first aid, disaster response and other critical emergency scenarios. Precision, coordination and composure under pressure were essential — and the TVIRD Mining Group teams delivered on all fronts.
The Balabag team’s victory — a remarkable back-to-back championship — reflects years of training and meticulous emergency drills simulating real-life crisis situations. Observers noted the team’s seamless coordination, sharp technical execution and calm demeanor, which ultimately distinguished it from the competition.
Adding to the group’s collective success, the Siana team placed first runner-up in the Fire Extinguishment category and overall second runner-up nationally. The recognition underscores Greenstone’s dedication to continuous safety improvement, capacity building and fostering a culture of preparedness across its workforce.
The Siana team also recently won first runner-up at the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Caraga Regional Fire Competition in Patin-ay, Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur, where newly recruited ERT members showcased their fire safety and emergency response skills.
“Both teams demonstrated what it means to be truly prepared. Our collective mindset is that our comeback this year is personal,” said TVIRD Mining Group Safety and Health Manager Aldrin Arieta, who directly supervised both teams’ rigorous training programs, advanced safety protocols and mental preparation.
Safety as a Culture
The group’s thrust, “Safety Begins With Me: Let’s Go for Zero Accident,” highlights its high level of preparedness. More than trophies, the recent achievements of the Balabag and Siana teams are a testament to TVIRD’s commitment to operational safety as it continues to set new benchmarks in both regional and national industry competitions — as well as real-life crisis response.
“Their discipline and commitment to safety are not just for competition. They reflect the standards we uphold every day at our sites — protecting employees, stakeholders and the community,” Arieta added.
Safety remains a shared mission for TVIRD — one that unites the organization across its project sites. It is a collective commitment that reinforces a sense of purpose among personnel and beneficiary communities alike.
To date, TVIRD has trained community-based emergency response teams in Balabag and Siana, equipping residents with advanced emergency preparedness skills. These communities now have the capacity to respond to emergencies and manage crisis situations themselves. By strengthening local resilience, TVIRD has fostered a culture of safety both within the organization and among the communities that place their trust in the company.
