Heeding the call to solidarity in the ongoing battle against COVID-19, Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC) has mobilized over P17.2 million for relief operations and activities to support communities and frontliners in the province of Surigao del Norte.

In a report to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Caraga Region covering March to June 5 this year, TMC has utilized over P16 million from its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) on top of P1.17 million from its Corporate Social Responsibility fund, for COVID-related activities.

These funds were utilized in the procurement of 3,801 sacks of rice, 11,163 face masks (surgical, N95, and washable), and other relief goods and medical supplies such as alcohol, personal protective equipment and thermal scanners as support to the Municipality of Claver as well as the Province’s Hatud Hinabang Program which is expected to benefit over 150,000 indigent and displaced families.

"On behalf of Governor Lalo Matugas, Vice Governor Geed Gokiangkee and the provincial board, the provincial government is thankful to accept this assistance from Taganito Mining Corporation. Thank you for this donation," shared Teresita Ajoc, PGO Chief of Staff.

Outside its SDMP, TMC also donated 500 rapid test kits to Claver LGU and 200 rapid test kits to Surigao City LGU to aid in efforts to detect and prevent cases of COVID-19. Philippine Red Cross-Surigao del Norte Chapter also received 1,000 face masks for its frontliners.

"Daghang salamat gajud sa taghatag na rapid test kit. Dakong tabang ini sa city labin na karong daghan mga muabot sa sa ato syudad, mga manguli. Ug perfect timing gyud ang taghatag ng Taganito (Many thanks for the rapid test kits you gave us. This is a big help to our city especially now, when many are arriving or returning to our city. This donation by Taganito is indeed perfect timing),” thanked Mayor Ernesto U. Matugas, Jr. of Surigao City.

Another beneficiary is Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Sison, a fifth-class municipality in the province, wherein 200 families will receive one sack of rice each.

“Praise God for your generosity. Surely if there is a virtue this pandemic has taught me it is patience and waiting. On behalf of the parishioners of Sison, allow me to thank TMC through you for your generosity in this time of need,” said Msgr. Prescilo P. Iral, DCS, parish priest.

As early as February this year, TMC partnered with the local government unit of Claver in conducting information drives to the 14 barangays in the municipality to raise awareness about the disease.

TMC also established its own quarantine and isolation facilities which were subjected to regular inspection by the local Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19. Disease prevention and control protocols were implemented to ensure the safety not just of its employees but also of its communities.

“Naa gajuy injohang gihimo para lamang aning atong operation panlaban sa COVID 19. Salamat kaayo sa TMC (You are really doing something to support our operation against COVID-19. Thank you very much TMC),” shared Mayor Georgia Gokiangkee during the inspection of TMC’s facilities to prevent infection from COVID-19.

For the establishment of a Molecular Testing Laboratory, in the province TMC also allocated Php 2 million as counterpart, in collaboration with Nickel Asia Corporation, Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation, and The Philippine Red Cross.