In January 2026, Major Drilling Philippines and Filminera Resources Corporation (FRC) celebrated a significant milestone: 15 years of partnership at the Masbate Gold Project. Over that time, the two organizations completed more than 210,270 metres of drilling and recorded more than 1.75 million safe work hours without a Lost Time Injury as of April 2026.
For Daniel Paradis, General Manager of Major Drilling Philippines, the milestone also carries a personal connection. He helped start the project while working as a project supervisor, giving him a firsthand view of how the relationship has grown from its earliest days.
Beyond technical capability, long-term success depends on trust, communication, and the ability to consistently deliver results. Most of the metres completed at Masbate have been through core drilling. Major Drilling has also supported the exploration team with reverse circulation drilling and provided geotechnical drilling for the mine and its tailings storage facility. Together, these services have helped meet changing exploration and operational requirements over the life of the project.
The milestone reflects the dedication of the crews, supervisors, safety personnel, maintenance teams, and office support staff who have kept the project moving year after year. Masbate has also provided a place for employees to build long-term careers, with several team members progressing from being new to the drilling industry into skilled drilling roles.
Among the employees who have contributed to the project over many years are Isagani Castillo, Driller, with 15 years of service; Marvin Licup, Driller, and Christopher Briol, Driller Assistant, with 13 years each; Urie Duca, Trainee Driller, with 12 years; Nelson Balisong, Driller Assistant, and Aljon Esquilona, Mechanic, with 11 years each; and Salvador dela Cruz, Driller, with 10 years.
“This milestone belongs to the people on the ground: our crews, supervisors, safety teams, maintenance personnel, and Filminera counterparts who have worked together day after day to make the project successful. The trust built over 15 years comes from that daily teamwork, commitment, and shared focus on doing the job safely.”
— Daniel Paradis, General Manager, Major Drilling Philippines
More Than 200 Kilometres of Exploration Success
Located in Aroroy town on Masbate Island, about 360 kilometres southeast of Manila, the Masbate Gold Project (“MGP”) is one of the country’s major open-pit gold operations. The project brings together Filminera Resources Corporation (“Filminera”) which manages the mining operations, and Phil. Gold Processing & Refining Corp (“Phil.Gold”) which operates the processing plant.
While these are distinct companies, they work together for Masbate Gold Project toward safe, responsible and sustainable operations. Phil. Gold is a wholly owned subsidiary of B2Gold with operations in the Philippines, Mali, Namibia and Canada.
MGP site has remained an important contributor to mineral development in the region while continued exploration supports resource growth, mine planning, and the long-term future of the operation.
“Over the past 15 years, our partnership with Major Drilling has been built on a foundation of trust, professionalism, and a shared commitment to safety and operational excellence. What has stood out most throughout this journey is the collaborative approach between our teams. Major Drilling has consistently demonstrated technical capability, reliability, and a strong commitment to achieving common goals while consistently supporting the growth and success of the Masbate Gold Project.”
— Ryan Rusk, President, Phil. Gold Processing & Refining Corp.
Since 2011, Major Drilling has supported those efforts through exploration and development drilling programs. As project requirements changed, the team adapted by providing the equipment, personnel, and technical support needed to meet shifting objectives and schedules.
“Filminera and Major Drilling’s partnership is built on trust, shared values, and consistent delivery. Major Drilling has been a valued partner over the past 15 years, we are proud to what has been accomplished together, and we look forward to continuing this successful relationship in the years ahead.”
— Cris Acosta, President, Filminera Resources Corporation
A Shared Commitment to Safety
Safety has been a defining feature of the partnership from the beginning. As of April 2026, Major Drilling Philippines had accumulated 1,752,015.54 work hours without a Lost Time Injury at the Masbate Gold Project, reflecting the efforts of employees from both organizations who identify hazards, follow procedures, and look out for one another every day.
This achievement has been supported by a safety culture that emphasizes risk management, accountability, and continuous improvement. Programs such as Major Drilling’s Critical Risk Management, TAKE 5, and 10 Lifesaving Rules help employees identify hazards, manage risks, and make informed decisions before work begins.
Regular safety discussions, training, and leadership engagement also keep safety at the forefront of daily operations. Ceasar Deocareza has been part of that effort since joining the Masbate Gold Project site as a Safety Officer in May 2017. Former Filminera employee, , he spent several years in the safety role before progressing to Safety Manager, bringing valuable knowledge to the project’s safety leadership.
For both organizations, safety is more than a metric. It is part of how the work gets done.
Beyond the Drill Program
The relationship between Major Drilling and Filminera extends beyond drilling activities. Over the years, the organizations have supported employee initiatives, client events, and community-focused programs that have helped strengthen connections between teams. One example was the March 2021 municipal donation drive in Aroroy, Masbate, which provided support to the local community.
While production results and safety performance are important measures of success, milestones such as this also provide an opportunity to recognize the individuals behind the work. To commemorate 15 years of partnership, team members received specially printed shirts, and commemorative coins were presented to mark the achievement.
Looking Ahead
As exploration work continues at the Masbate Gold Project, both organizations remain focused on the same priorities that have guided the partnership for the past 15 years: safe work, reliable drilling services, and open communication between teams.
Major Drilling extends its appreciation to Filminera Resources Corporation and Phil Gold Processing & Refining Corp, project leadership, field crews, and support personnel whose efforts have contributed to this milestone. More than 210 kilometres of drilling and over 1.75 million safe work hours reflect the scale of what has been accomplished together, while the relationships built between both teams continue to support the work being carried out at Masbate today.
Looking to connect with Major Drilling? Visit the team at booth D52 during the 72nd Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC), taking place November 17–20 in Baguio City, Philippines.
