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St. Paul University Sisters find responsible mining in TMC

Some sisters from Saint Paul University Surigao personally witnessed the responsible mining practices of Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC) with operations in Claver, Surigao del Norte.

The group, led by no less than the University President and Chancellor of St. Paul University System, Sr. Marie Rosanne Mallillin, SPC, visited TMC on March 20 to catch a glimpse of mining firm’s initiatives to protect the environment and uplift its communities.

Along with Sr. Mallillin were Sr. Sahlee Palijo, SPC, Local Superior and Dean of the College of Health Sciences; Sr. Terrsita Baricaua, SPC, Principal for Basic Education; and Sr. Amalia Rosillo, SPC, Director for Community Development Services.

The visit was initiated and requested by SPUS which has been a partner of TMC, a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corporation, for its various programs on education.

NAC-TMC management led by Mr. Salvador C. Cabauatan, NAC AVP for General Administrative Services welcomed the sisters onsite along with Engr. Robert Francisco, Mine Division Manager; Mr. Marcial Encina, Division Manager for Geology and Special Projects; Mr. Edgardo Buligan, Sr. HR Manager; Ms. Diana Zaportiza, IMS Section Head; and other TMC personnel some of which are alumni and current students of SPUS.

"You have shown today and as I have heard from our own student's research, the benefits that the community has enjoyed through the help of TMC. So I can honestly say, there is responsible mining if properly managed,” shared Sr. Mallillin, after the interactive discussions with TMC representatives and SPUS alumni.

“SPUS has been the second home of many of our scholars and in return, we have opened our doors to student groups for educational tours, tree planting activities, and on-the job-trainings. TMC also partnered with them in the launching of the mining engineering program for eligible employees,” shared Mr. Cabauatan,

Over the years, TMC has sent 90 scholars to SPUS alone, and also currently employs more than 20 mining engineers who are products of the school.

SPUS is the only school in Surigao del Norte, and one of two schools in Caraga, that offers the mining engineering course.

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