SURIGAO CITY – A mining engineering course based inside a mine site in the Surigao del Norte town of Claver has opened, catering to employees who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering degree.
In a statement, the St. Paul University Surigao (SPUS) said it has partnered with Taganito Mining Corp. (TMC) to bring the course to at least 22 employees who already have degrees but want to pursue a career in mining engineering.
The classes would be held virtually and onsite, maximizing access to actual operations and the pool of experts available in the field.
“When there is a strong partnership between the academe and the industry then the best educational services are delivered to the students,” Dr. Leonida Calagui, CHED-Caraga Director, said during a consultation meeting regarding the initiative.
“We are committed to empower and provide more technical professionals for the responsible management of the mining industry in the region,” Sister Marie Rosanne Mallillin, SPC, SPUS president, said.
Dr. Antonio Talamayan, SPUS vice president for academic services, and Engineer Vincent Guilalas, dean of the College of Engineering, recently conducted an orientation to 22 pioneering students, who are currently assigned as geologists, chemists, geodetic engineers, safety inspectors, and data analysts to the company.
Team teaching will be utilized to tap the pool of engineers, geologists and other mining professionals in the delivery of instruction in the technical subjects such as engineering, surveying and geology.
Engineer Artemio Valeroso, TMC resident mine manager, said the initiative is part of the “thrust of Nickel Asia to upgrade the learning and skills of our employees continuously. It is very fortunate for us to partner with SPUS, which has also been our partner in producing our mining scholars and engineers."
TMC General Administration Division Manager Salvador C. Cabauatan said the program seeks to provide employees with an opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering without taking a leave from work and with the support of the company.
In the Caraga region, the mining engineering course is only offered at the Caraga State University in Butuan City and SPUS in Surigao City.
A subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp., TMC is engaged in large-scale extraction of nickel. It is based in Barangay Taganito, Claver. (PNA)
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