Taganito Mining Corporation has partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga Region and the Province of Agusan del Sur through the Upland Sustainable Agri-Forestry Development (USAD) Program for a ₱9.85-million greening and livelihood project in northeastern Mindanao.
The initiative, formalized through a memorandum of agreement, marks the first collaboration of its kind under the USAD Program and aims to integrate environmental protection with community-based livelihood development.
The three-year project will cover 50 hectares across Barangay Bakingking in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, and Barangay Padiay in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur. Of the total area, 40 hectares will be devoted to coffee plantations, while the remaining 10 hectares will be planted with coffee, fruit-bearing trees and indigenous tree species.
TMC said the project seeks to improve forest cover, promote biodiversity and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities through agroforestry enterprises.
Artemio E. Valeroso, senior vice president and chief operating officer for responsible mining management of TMC, said the initiative demonstrates how mining companies can work alongside communities and other sectors for sustainable development.
“Pwede diay na mag-uban gyud ang mining, agriculture, any programs with the community… It’s about accountability and responsibility,” Valeroso said during the program.
Maritess M. Ocampo, officer in charge and regional executive director of DENR Caraga, said the project is expected to deliver long-term benefits to local communities.
“This project is for the people, who someday, somehow, lives will be changed,” Ocampo said.
TMC said the partnership highlights the role of multi-stakeholder collaboration in advancing inclusive growth and sustainable resource management while demonstrating how responsible mining practices can contribute to ecological and socio-economic development.
