Silangan Mindanao Mining Co., Inc. (SMMCI) has strengthened its commitment to shaping the future of mining education by partnering with Caraga State University (CSU) in two key initiatives aimed at preparing the next generation of mining engineers.
SMMCI joined the CSU Department of Mining Engineering (DEM) in its Final Coaching and Send-off Programme for the 2025 Mining Engineer Licensure Examination candidates. Representing the company was Engr. Alfredo Jr. F. Valledor, Site Communications Specialist of Silangan, who was invited as one of the guest speakers to inspire and encourage the aspiring engineers.
In his message, Engr. Valledor reflected on his own journey in Silangan and shared how young professionals can find deeper meaning in their work.
“In Silangan Mining, I’ve seen how fresh graduates like you are transformed into professionals who do more than design projects or operate equipment. They become storytellers, bridge-builders, and listeners,” he said.
He reminded the candidates that while technical skills are essential, mining engineers also play a vital role in bringing communities and industry together.
“We don’t just defend our companies. We defend the industry. We defend the truth that mining, when done right, can build communities, fuel progress, and uplift lives,” he stressed.
Engr. Valledor further encouraged the examinees to see beyond the immediate pressures of the board exam. “That licence you are fighting for is one of the keys that can open doors to your future. But remember: it is nothing without humility,” he said.
He added that his insights were drawn from Silangan’s everyday immersion in the communities it serves, where mining goes beyond operations to protecting people’s welfare and building trust. Through this engagement, Silangan demonstrated its support not only for CSU’s examinees but also for all aspiring mining engineers across the country who will soon face the same test.
This collaboration with CSU went hand-in-hand with another milestone: Engr. Valledor’s recent appointment as Field Expert Representative of the Programme Advisory Board (PAB) for the Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering at CSU.
The oath-taking, held during the Stakeholders’ Forum and Programme Advisory Board Oath-Taking Ceremony, brought together representatives from the academe, industry, and professional organisations to align the goals of mining education with the needs of the sector and society.
As part of the PAB, Silangan’s representative will help assess the Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs), recommend curriculum enhancements, suggest relevant electives, and identify training and employment opportunities for mining engineering students.
By bridging industry and academe, Silangan Mining continues to champion the development of competent and responsible professionals who will lead the mining industry toward progress and sustainability.
