Embarking on a journey towards a brighter future for both its host and neighboring communities, Taganito Mining Corp. (TMC) proudly unveiled the inaugural TMC People’s Organizations Conference.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Claver, Surigao del Norte, this groundbreaking event took place on January 9-10, marking the dawn of a new era in community engagement and empowerment.

In partnership with the Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (SCCII), the event brought together representatives from diverse people's organizations, community leaders, government officials, and industry experts to discuss key issues related to resource management, community empowerment, and environmental conservation. It was attended by over 200 representatives from 24 People’s Organizations (POs).

With the theme, “Harmony in Resources: Collaborative Pathways for Sustainable Communities,” the conference served as a platform for fostering collaboration, dialogue among various stakeholders,and knowledge-sharing on how to responsibly use our natural resources through everyone’s collective efforts toward sustainable community development.

Along with other local government officials and key government heads who attended the event, Claver Mayor Georgia Gokiangkee recognized TMC’s efforts in providing livelihood opportunities to Clavernons and described the event as another pride of Claver.

“Congratulations to TMC for the first-ever PO conference and thank you for holding it in our LGU function hall and for all the best practices and experiences shared with our POs,” Gokiangkee said.

Engr. Artemio Valeroso, Vice President and Resident Mine Manager of TMC, also shared his hope towards uplifting the lives of the community residents through skills and enterprises development. He added that these initiatives can benefit Clavernons beyond the life of the mine and is a huge step towards creating sustainable communities.

Topics addressed during the conference included strategies for fostering harmony between resource utilization and environmental preservation, promoting community-led initiatives for sustainable development, and enhancing collaboration between stakeholders to achieve common goals.

Through interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, participants had the opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore innovative approaches to address challenges facing their communities.

Five people’s organizations also shared their journey and success stories – PRIME and CAPSASCCO General Merchandises, Urbiztondo Crop Producers, Claver Red Mountain Agriculture Cooperative, and Taganito Concern People Consumers’ Cooperative (TACPECCO).

Roger Parpan, chairman of the 77-strong TACPECCO, shared how their cooperative started a water refilling business that later expanded to an agrivet supply business.

Parpan noted that in their five years of operation, they were able to release a patronage and dividend sharing of at least P6,000 depending on the capital buildup of the member.

During the pandemic, the group also sponsored the provision of drinking water to quarantine facilities and even distributed food and water to frontliners.

Aside from the different talks on community empowerment, digital innovation, farm tourism, agri-fishery, and food business, an awarding ceremony was also held to recognize POs with compliance from the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, and Cooperative Development Authority; Most Visited POs, Best in Government Partnership, Most Innovative Enterprise, Best Selling PO Product, and Best Service Provider, among others.

TMC people’s organizations are engaged in various enterprises such as farming, tourism, tailoring, food production and value adding, among others.

The conference underscored TMC's commitment to engaging with local stakeholders and fostering partnerships aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive development.

By working collaboratively with people's organizations and community leaders, TMC seeks to create shared value, build resilience, and contribute to the long-term well-being of the communities in which it operates.

As the first of its kind, the TMC People's Organizations Conference marks a significant milestone in the company's efforts to promote dialogue, foster collaboration, and empower communities to take an active role in shaping their future.

Moving forward, TMC remains dedicated to building on the momentum generated by the conference and continuing to work hand-in-hand with local stakeholders to create positive change and sustainable impact.

TMC is one of the subsidiaries of natural resources development firm Nickel Asia Corp., located in the municipality of Claver, Surigao del Norte. It exports saprolite and limonite ore, and provides limonite ore and non-mining services to the adjacent Taganito HPAL plant of THPAL.