CLAVER, Surigao del Norte—Sixty one academic scholars showcased their multi-media production skills during a promotional video contest featuring the various livelihood projects of Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC).

Participants to the "Infomercial Making Contest," consisting of 2nd year to 4th year students under the Development of Mining Technology and Geosciences – Scholarship Program, were tasked to gather multi-media materials and produce quality infomercial video entries.

The infomercials must promote not only TMC-supported community projects but also highlight the company's social commitment on responsible and sustainable mining.

To create effective infomercials that capture the essence of a project, the contestants formed under eight groups visited most TMC’s livelihood projects, interviewed the proponents and immersed in their daily routine to better understand the concept of the livelihood projects managed by the People’s Organizations (POs).

Some of TMC’s supported Peoples’ Organizations covered in the infomercial entries are the following:

• Cagdianao General Upholstery and Services (CGUS)
• Cagdianao Seedlings and Pineapple Association (CASPIA)
• Hayanggabon Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (HACOMUCO) – Tailors
• Taganito Concerned People Consumers Cooperative (TACPECCO)
• Baning Auto Repair Shop
• Urbiztondo Crops Producers Cooperative (UCPC) Display Center
• Urbiztondo Women Workers Association (URWWAS)
• Capangdan-Sabang Alliance for Sustainable Development (CAPSASDCO)
• Karaang Banwa Marine Protected Area
• Dapja Native Chicken Poultry Farm
• Gagmay’ng Mananagat sa Wangke (GAMAWA)
• Sapa Integrated Farmers Association (SIFAS)
• Claver Red Mountain Agriculture Cooperative (CREMACO)

During the awarding ceremony at TMC Multi-purpose Covered Court, the eight groups of scholars showcased their infomercial outputs, where the grand champion received P15,000.

The 1st Runner Up, meanwhile, received P10,000, and 2nd Runner Up got P10,000, in addition to the plaque and certificates.

The participating scholars also received various PO products such as Cassava cake, Biko, Cassava chips, Duck Eggs, Fish Polvoron, Fish Embutido, Rice Hull, Rice Bibingka, Goat Manure, and Goat Urine as token of appreciation to the scholars in their hard work and dedication.

The activity was part of the regular civic service of the scholars, whose community engagements had been suspended for a while following the COVID-19 pandemic.