Dinapigue Mining Corporation (DMC), a subsidiary of natural resources development firm Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC), joined the Orientation on Enterprise Development and Networking organized by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office II (MGB RO-II) held at Casa Jardin, City of Santiago on March 9, 2023.

The event started with opening remarks from Engr. Mario A. Ancheta, MGB Regional Office II Director, who discussed the role of the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) in the creation of sustainable mining communities and how mining companies can go beyond compliance in the enrichment of their host and neighboring communities (HNCs).

After a brief orientation on the background and policies pertaining to the SDMP by MGB RO-II Senior Science Research Specialist Maribeth G. Tumaliuan, presenters from DMC, FCF Minerals, and Didipio Mine (previously Oceana Gold Philippines, Incorporated) highlighted their respective companies’ SDMP and existing community enterprises.

DMC Community Relations Supervisor Maria Perpetua de la Cruz presented the social context in Dinapigue, the highlights from the company’s SDMP, and the social impact of DMC’s company-sponsored livelihood initiatives.

DENR Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn C. Bambalan then delivered her lecture on strategic planning and enterprise development to provide the community stakeholders with the necessary skills and frameworks from which their livelihood initiatives can thrive.

The program concluded with an open forum facilitated by MGB RO-II Supervising Science Research Specialist Demetrio B. Corsino wherein members of the audience asked questions to the presenters who served as panelists.