Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC), in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the local governments of barangays Hayanggabon and Cagdianao, RKey Builders, and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO)–Claver, has successfully produced 36 new graduates of the Heavy Equipment Operation (Hydraulic Excavator) NC II program.
The training covered classroom instruction, competency assessment, and on-the-job training with allowance support. Designed for residents of TMC’s host and neighboring barangays, the program equips participants with nationally certified skills to improve their employability in mining, construction, and other industries.
The completion ceremony was attended by Enterprise President Engr. Rodel Urbiztondo, TESDA Surigao del Norte Director Cathaline Tacubao, TMC Mine Operations Division Manager Engr. Robert Francisco, PESO Claver Manager Junrey Escobal, Cagdianao Kagawads Bienvenido Alaras and Joiser Arena, and Hayanggabon Kagawad Leonel Bergonia.
TESDA Provincial Director Cathaline Tacubao congratulated the graduates and stressed the value of perseverance in learning.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our training graduates and encourage you to continue persevering and learning. Let me express my gratitude to the management of RKey Builders, TMC, and the LGU for really making this happen. As TESDA Secretary Francisco Benitez said, basta sama-sama, sa TESDA kayang-kaya,” Tacubao said.
For TMC, the program reflects its mission to invest in people.
“Ang pagbibigay po ng skill ay isang kasangkapan para kayo ay maging malaya sa kahirapan. Kayo ang may desisyon (Giving you a skill is a tool to free you from poverty. This is your own decision),” said Engr. Robert Francisco, who also emphasized that good governance comes from partnerships between mining, local government, TESDA, and the private sector.
PESO Claver Manager Junrey Escobal urged the graduates to remain grateful as they build their careers. “Magka diin-diin man kamo magtrabaho, ajaw nijo kalimte ang gratitude niani na mga tawo… Free na ang uniform, allowance, training, and assessment. Mao na mapasalamaton ta sa atong mining industry, especially TMC (Wherever you end up working, do not forget to thank these people… Uniforms, allowances, training, and assessment are all covered freely, which is why we are thankful to our mining industry, especially TMC).”
For graduates like Ervin Llano, the training was life-changing. “Dakong pasalamat nako sa TMC na gitagaan mi, mga scholar, og higayon na mahimong instrumento para maabot ang among pangarap. Kini makatabang sa among pamilya kay makatrabaho mi ug makasuporta sa ilang panginahanglan (I am deeply grateful to TMC for giving us scholars the opportunity to reach our dreams. This will help our families because we can now work and provide for their needs).”
Another graduate, Michael Rodilla, echoed this sentiment. “Nagpasalamat ako sa TMC kay kung wala ni sila, dili ko makatrabaho sa Homonhon… Kini na abilidad dili na mawala sa ako, hangtod-hangtod na ni (I am thankful to TMC because if not for them, I wouldn’t get to work at Homonhon… This skill will stay with me forever).”
With their TESDA NC II certifications, the 36 graduates are now qualified to operate hydraulic excavators, opening doors to employment in mining, construction, and related industries. The initiative underscores TMC’s commitment to sustainable community development, ensuring that residents gain not just livelihoods but lasting empowerment.
