A series of activities were conducted by Cagdianao Mining Corporation (CMC) to join the world in the celebration of the International Month of the Ocean.

This year’s theme: “Protect and Restore Ecosystem and Biodiversity” aims to raise awareness on the negative impacts brought about by human actions on the ocean and develop a wide-reaching movement for a sustainable and healthy ocean.

Through its Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement Office (MEPEO), CMC staged a series of activities for the celebration of the international month of the ocean.

On the first day, the kick-off was simultaneously conducted with the Labor Day celebration led by the company and its union, together with the Special CAFGU Active Auxiliary (SCAA), Sherlock Manpower and General Services and MOBASCO Multi-Purpose Cooperative through a massive coastal cleanup along the coastline in Barangay Valencia.

The following week, CMC launched the ECommunity 2022, a livelihood program initiated by MEPEO funded through Annual Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (AEPEP) in participation with the job contractors from the company’s host and neighboring communities– Valencia, Boa and Legaspi.

The contractors will produce various types of seedlings that will reap benefits for three months time.

The contractors were provided free orientation on nursery establishment conducted by CMC Foresters to equip them with the knowledge and strategies on the proper handling of seedlings before selling to the company as their big time consumer and to its neighboring barangays.

CMC takes pride in partnership with the community residents geared towards environmental transformation and stewardship headed by the active Punong Barangays; Hon. Gesrael C. Tillo - Valencia, Hon. Divine C. Eupena - Boa, and Hon. Wenefredo Alongsagay – Legaspi. They actively took part in the livelihood programs and accepted the challenge of helping the company in its goal to protect and to conserve the environment.

As an example, AEPEP Capacity Building Program on Open Water Diving Training was conducted from May 16-18, 2022.

This training was facilitated by JR Free Divers Institute and was attended by nine participants from the company and community.

The actual open water dives took place at Barangay Valencia Coastal waters. During the entire duration of diving, participants were able to learn the fundamental skills on basic diving that could help in response operation or emergency scenarios at sea and marine surveys. Participants were in awe witnessing the beautiful coral reefs and other underwater marine life.

Last week, to add some cool vibes, the MEPE office gathered the residents of Brgy. Boa for an environment jam session playing songs pertaining to the mother earth by the music band from Tubajon, Dinagat Islands.

The gathering was intended to uplift the emotional state of the residents from the trauma brought about by Typhoon Odette and bring hope to the community reminding them that CMC will always be their reliable partner in times of disasters and calamities.

“I am grateful to CMC for the sustained support extended to Brgy, Boa, one of the most devastated areas during Super Typhoon Odette,” said Punong Barangay Divine Eupena.