by Leander Domingo
Aiming to preserve and promote the rich heritage of the Tuwali indigenous group of Ifugao, Canadian mining firm OceanaGold is strengthening its partnership with Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) through the company’s Indigenous Peoples (IP) Culture Revitalization Program.
To deepen its engagement with Indigenous communities, OceanaGold Philippines (OGP) President Joan Adaci-Cattiling said the company donated sets of traditional Tuwali attire to the Ifugao Student Association (ISA) at the NVSU Bambang campus.
OceanaGold’s IP Culture Revitalization Program forms part of its broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which emphasize sustainable development and respect for indigenous cultures. The company operates the Didipio Mine in the upland town of Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, known for its gold deposits, and maintains a long-standing relationship with local Indigenous communities, including the Tuwali and other groups.
Adaci-Cattiling said the initiative builds on previous efforts to support education, health, livelihood and infrastructure in the area. She emphasized that preserving indigenous culture is a “shared responsibility” and that the company is committed to working hand in hand with local communities to ensure traditions are not lost amid modernization.
“The donation of traditional attire is not just a symbolic gesture but a practical tool for cultural education, allowing students to participate in traditional festivals, school programs and community events in authentic clothing,” Adaci-Cattiling said.
The Ifugao Student Association at the NVSU Bambang campus expressed gratitude for the donation, saying it would help foster pride and identity among Indigenous students.
“These garments will allow us to showcase our heritage during school events and ensure that our traditions are passed on to the next generation,” a student representative said during the ceremony.
University officials also lauded the partnership. Carlo Vadil, vice president for Planning, Development and Information System, said the collaboration with OceanaGold aligns with the university’s mission to promote inclusive education and cultural awareness. Jonar Yago, vice president for Research, Extension and Training, said the initiative complements the university’s extension programs aimed at bringing the benefits of higher education to marginalized communities.
Adaci-Cattiling underscored that OceanaGold’s approach to Indigenous engagement is anchored on the principles of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC), as mandated by Philippine law. She noted that the company previously signed a memorandum of agreement with the Tuwali and other Ifugao communities to ensure its operations in Didipio are conducted with the consent and participation of affected Indigenous groups.
“This latest cultural initiative continues that partnership, demonstrating that mining companies can play a positive role in community development when they prioritize respect for local cultures and sustainable practices,” she said.
Adaci-Cattiling said the IP Culture Revitalization Program is expected to expand in the coming years, with additional support for cultural documentation, language preservation and the development of cultural tourism in Nueva Vizcaya.
“OceanaGold has also pledged to continue investing in education, health and livelihood programs for Indigenous communities, ensuring that the benefits of mining extend beyond the life of the mine,” she added.
She emphasized that by supporting cultural preservation and education, the company aims to help ensure that the heritage of the Tuwali and Ifugao peoples remains vibrant and relevant for future generations.
“As the IP Culture Revitalization Program grows, it offers a model for how responsible mining can coexist with and contribute to the cultural and social well-being of Indigenous communities in the Philippines,” she said.
