As part of the nationwide observance of Arbor Day, TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) employees at the company’s Balabag Gold-Silver Project commemorated the occasion on June 25 by staging a tree-planting activity at Waste Rock Dump (WRD) 2 of its mine in Sitio Balabag, Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur.
More than just a ceremonial planting, the day was filled with educational sessions, team-building activities, and heartfelt messages on giving back to the planet. Embracing the occasion with positivity, key TVIRD personnel planted 250 mulberry seedlings in the area.
Seeds of Hope
Employees from every department, together with service contractors, united in a collective effort toward environmental rehabilitation. The day began with a solemn prayer, followed by an inspiring message from General Manager Noel M. Manrique, who spoke about the importance of Arbor Day and the company’s commitment to sustainability. PCO Supervisor Vincent Rene Namoc further elaborated on the occasion’s significance to TVIRD.
With the site’s unique terrain in mind, key officers adopted a deliberate planting strategy. They opted for shallow-rooted species such as mulberry trees to help stabilise the waste rock dump. Mulberry trees were also chosen for their fast growth, high survival rate, and ability to provide shade and food for local wildlife.
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“As an environmentally conscious company, TVIRD upholds conservation initiatives that will not only co-exist with the surrounding flora and fauna but also sustain them after the life of the mine,” emphasised Environment Manager Jjam Cutillas.
He added, “Our Arbor Day initiative is not just a corporate responsibility, but also an essential awareness campaign on the importance of conservation and a reminder of the vital role trees play in our lives.”
By demonstrating its dedication to environmental rehabilitation and a greener, more sustainable future, TVIRD continues to show that beyond its operations, its heart remains rooted in service, care for the environment, and the people it serves.
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United for a Greener Future
Often referred to as the “tree planter’s holiday,” Arbor Day is the oldest environmental holiday on the calendar. First celebrated in Nebraska, United States, in 1872, it began as a movement to promote the value of trees in communities. Today, it is observed in more than 50 countries, marked by activities ranging from tree planting and community recognition to natural area cleanups and support for conservation districts.
In the Philippines, Arbor Day is commemorated in June pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 643 and Republic Act No. 10176, which call on both public and private sectors to participate in reforestation and sustainability initiatives.
Through initiatives such as its Arbor Day program, TVIRD underscores its responsible mining commitment, ensuring that environmental care remains at the heart of its operations. As the seedlings take root, so too does the hope for a healthier natural environment — a living testament to the legacy the company seeks to impart to future generations.
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TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. is owned in part by TVI Pacific Inc., a publicly listed Canadian mining company focused on the exploration, development, and production of precious and base metals from district-scale, large-system, high-margin projects located in the Philippines. Concurrent ownership of ventures is shared with partner company Prime Resource Holdings Inc.
The Agata Nickel Laterite Mine is the third successful mining project that TVIRD brought on stream in a period of 10 years, while its Balabag Gold-Silver Mine further cements its position as a steady producer of precious metals in the country. With the commercial operations of its Siana Gold Mine, the company remains committed to exploration and mining practices that promote transparency, responsible stewardship of the environment, and the inalienable rights to life, dignity and sustainable development of its host communities.
