As part of its Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns, the Dinapigue Mining Corporation (DMC) re-launched its Hike and Learn program.
It was participated by Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) members of DMC’s host community—Barangay Dimaluade and selected contractors from Enviroclean Manpower Services Corporation.
“Hike and Learn is an opportunity for the people of Dinapigue to develop a deeper appreciation of the natural wonders that they have here in Dinapigue and to further understand what responsible mining is all about,” said Jenny Wayan, Community Relations Supervisor.
The Hike and learn participants first attended a safety orientation at the DMC conference room and listened to a Mining 101 lecture conducted by one of its junior geologists.
After the lectures, the Hike and Learn participants witnessed the fabled “Bonsai Forest,” a protected area outside of the DMC MPSA, where they learned more about the geological and environmental aspects of the area. The participants also learned about DMC’s commitment to protect the Bonsai Forest.
DMC Environmentalist Freddie Donato said “Dahil protected area po ang Bonsai Forest, sinisigurado po naming hindi po ito maaapektuhan ng mining operations (Because the Bonsai Forest is a protected area, we assure you that the area will not be affected by future mining operations).”
After visiting the Bonsai Forest, the participants were taken to the Nursery where they learned about the species of trees that will be planted for DMC’s future rehabilitation efforts.
In keeping with the company’s traditions, the Hike and Learn participants visited the Nangayuman Area to witness the beauty of Nangayuman Falls and planted tree seedlings to commemorate their visit to the mine site.
Before finally heading home, the participants stopped by DMC’s Agro-Farm where they witnessed how mining and agriculture can co-exist. The Agro-Farm is a project of the DMC Environmental Department where crops are organically grown. The crops grown at the Agro-Farm are used for cooking by the DMC kitchen staff.
Hike and Learn is a project which aims to educate participants about the fauna and flora of Dinapigue while hiking around the site.
The first official run of Hike and Learn was conducted to selected students of Dinapigue National High School and dispelled rumors that the company’s mining operations would ruin the natural beauty of the “Bonsai Forest.”
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