2018 Year-in-Review

Official Newsletter of Agata

What’s Inside…
2018
iAMVIctory
Stories

The Agata Management Team alongside its Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee -Multipartite Monitoring
Team (MMT) members. Cooperation and determination are key to responsible mining.

Agata Corners Presidential Award

Heralds a New Hope for Philippine Mining Blazing the Trail to the
TVIRD’s Agata receives top honors at the mining industry’s annual National Fire Brigade
safety and environment summit
Championship
Agata Mining Ventures Inc. (AMVI) – a nickel laterite joint venture company of TVI
Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) and MRL Nickel Philippines – was
honored with the prestigious Presidential Mineral Industry Environment Award
during the 65th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference
(ANMSEC) last November 20-23 in historic Baguio City.

After receiving the PMIEA-Platinum Award in Surface Mining and Best Mining
Forest Award (2nd Runner Up) in Metallic Mining in 2017, the company bagged top
honors for advocating the industry’s highest safety and environmental standards, as
witnessed by delegates and dignitaries from all parts of the country and abroad.

Starting it right, keeping the end in
sight
Double-Platinum awardee TVIRD
operates the Agata Nickel Project in its
4,995-hectare Mineral Processing
Sharing Agreement (MPSA) area within
the adjacent municipalities of Tubay,
Santiago and Jabonga in Agusan del
Norte Province. JV partner MRL is
likewise a decorated company during its
exploration phase with two Presidential
Awards under its belt.
Since bringing the project on-stream
four years ago, it has been guided by
the philosophy of “starting it right and
keeping the end in sight,” according to
Agata General Manager Engr. Emilio
Figueroa III.
Spotless Environmental
From this philosophy comes the Performance of Agata is a
strategic integration of the company’s
front-end engineering, environmental
‘First in History’ – MGB
management programs, social and
community engagements, and health
and safety initiatives that are all

Continue on P. 2 And more…

 From page 1

focused on leaving Agata a better place

once mining has concluded.

Driven by this philosophy, the

organization draws confidence from a
unified “Commitment from the Top” –
one that continues to empower and
inspire its associates across the ranks to
pursue the same strategic objectives
and comply with the industry’s highest
standards

In 2016, after a series of field validations

conducted by Intertek Philippines, Agata
obtained its ISO Certification and has
consecutively passed succeeding
surveillance audits, including the latest
ISO 14001:2015 Certification.

Responsible enterprise

“Despite vast challenges, we are proud

to say that our state of unity has never
been stronger,” said Figueroa.
“This is a win for every responsible
miner who has done the heavy-lifting to
rise above the irresponsible and the
illegal practices that give the industry a
bad name. This is a win for the
associations and agencies that allow
legitimate and inclusive mining
operations to thrive.”
As the world market for metals
experienced a year-on-year decline in
2018, miners are hopeful that the mining
fiscal regime approved by the House of
Representatives will usher new mining
“Commitment from the Top” – an award-winning photo taken by Tubay resident diver Ryan Pagal
during a coral monitoring and validation activity conducted by Agata Assistant General Manager Anthony
B. Quijano at the company’s adopted marine sanctuary.
projects that will allow the industry to operations.
grow at its true potential.
In terms of operations, the company’s
Future-oriented mine plan is synchronized with
progressive rehabilitation,
While Agata is one of the newest environmental works and is aligned
players in the industry, it has towards its final rehabilitation plan.
successfully integrated social and
environmental components into its Earlier, Agata was also commended by
business plan, landing a Titanium the DENR’s Mines and Geosciences
Award during its first full year of Bureau (MGB) in Caraga for achieving
an “excellent performance” on its
environmental activities. The accolade
came after the inspection of the Multi-
Partite Monitoring Team (MMT) –
which the company completed with no
negative findings.

To date, the company has planted close to 300

hectares with a forest density of over 1,000 trees
per hectare. In addition to its inland stewardship, it
maintains its coastline with thriving marine
sanctuaries and relocated coral reefs situated near
the shores of Tubay.

Page 2
 2018 Year-in-Review

Changing the game solid reputation for being a steady communities through the
supplier of nickel ore and furthering establishment of an agroforestry
Agata likewise sustains a high level of the Asian direct markets’ leadership in plantation, poultry and livestock
performance in ensuring the safety and the world’s steel value chain. Locally, facilities, furniture and handicraft
health of its communities as a Agata’s corporate citizenship rests at production and fishing equipment. It
safeguard for the future. The company the intersection of its business also has more than 130 TESDA-
maintains three (3) physicians who are objectives and the needs of the certified Farmers and has established
ready to provide free medical services community who are now testament over 150 organic vegetable gardens
to over 1,000 on-site employees – that there is life after mining. in local households.
majority from host and neighboring
communities – their families and The former dump site that is now Along with its other established social
visiting patients from nearby known as the Agata-supported enterprise, community livelihood
barangays. Mabakas Techno Demo Farm has programs in Agata have an estimated
quickly evolved into a proving ground total commercial value of P12 million.
The company also established for future organic farmers.
Community Emergency Response Established earlier this year, Mabakas The SDMP is likewise aligned to
Teams (ERTs) comprised of 200 is the only TESDA-accredited organic Agata’s engagement through the
trained volunteers – which have been farm school managed by a mining Community Royalty Development
recognized by the Provincial Disaster company in the region. Plan (CRDP) that transforms the
Risk Reduction Management Office as Manobo and Mamanwa tribes’
a “game-changer” and was awarded To date, there are more than 35 Royalty Share into sustainable
the Gawad Kalasag National Award. hectares planted with Cacao within livelihood.
Agata’s MPSA while more than 20
Constant emergency drills and hectares have also been established Agata is confident that its future-
activities are also conducted, by the indigenous Manobo-Mamanwa oriented programs will be sure to
generating 15 million safe man hours Tribe for Cacao production outlive the life of its mine. And as the
and zero (0) Loss Time due to intercropped in their Agroforestry Asian markets expect a favorable
Accidents (LTA) owing to stringent Plantations. return in the foreseeable future, Agata
measures and an overall culture of continues to make a valuable social
safety. Life after mining investment for a progressive mining
community – all for their sustainable
Changing the face of mining Agata’s Social Development future.
Management Program (SDMP) has
On the global front, it has earned a been invested heavily in its

A balanced ecology. Upland

silt ponds and underwater silt
curtains that surround the
Agata Causeway catch
possible debris and mitigate
siltation, keeping Tubay’s
waters clear and blue. The
company’s biodiversity
preservation and conservation
efforts from ridge-to-reef
across its MPSA area have
been recognized by the
DENR, most notably its Coral
relocation and marine
sanctuary.

Page 3
 2018 Year-in-Review

Agata Earth Day 2018:

Recycle, Re-use and Rebuilding a Holistic Future
Agata’s environmental awareness takes the path towards inclusive sustainable development
Key officers, field office staff and personnel of Agata Mining Ventures Inc. (AMVI) gathered again with over one billion worldwide in the global
observance of Earth Day 2018 at the company’s mine site. The event was aimed at raising awareness for its long-term environmental protection
roadmap themed: Environmental Awareness: Rebuilding the Path Towards Holistic Sustainable Development.

Earth Day is observed in 192 countries and
is the “largest civic-focused day of action in
the world,” according to the Earth Day
Network. Since it brought operations on-
stream in 2014, Agata employees have
commemorated the event yearly in the spirit
of camaraderie among company personnel
and its hired contractors.
A day of observance
At daybreak, the event kicked-off with a
Zumba workout routine led by Agata’s
Emergency Response Team (ERT) to warm-
up the seven different teams. This was
followed by the ceremonial lighting of the
torch by General Manager Emilio T.
Figueroa III and the oath reading led by
Vice President Edsel Abrasaldo – which
signaled the official start of the Earth Day
observance.
This year’s Agata Amazing Race was the
most challenging and exciting in all the four
years that the company has
commemorated Earth Day. Across 14
stations scattered along a 3.5-kilometer
route from the field office down to a distant
outpost, each team was able to perform
specific environment-related tasks
assigned to a particular station.
The event was graced by Mines and
Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 13
Forester Ernie P. Cañete, who also served
as a judge for the different events and as
the quiz master.
Several competitions also conducted
throughout the day: dish gardening, poster-
making and the Quiz Bowl that pitted each
team’s knowledge of Agata’s environmental
programs against each other. Participants
also submitted audio-video presentation
(AVP) entries that focused on the
company’s Earth Day theme.
Finally, the teams showcased their entries
in the furniture-making contest using
recyclable materials like rubber tires into
practical and stylish home furniture.

On Earth Day, mining operations stops and all employees are enjoined to participate in a variety of
activities from dawn: the Agata Amazing Race at dawn, skill-based competitions throughout the day, and
the evening fellowship hailing Mr. and Ms. Earth Day 2018. This is Agata's way of inculcating
environmental awareness in all its stakeholders.

Page 4
Breaking bread

Agata employees then shared a dinner

banquet and program to culminate the
daylong event as part of the tradition and
their sense of community.

Also as traditionally staged by field staff,

Agata’s Mr. and Ms. Earth Day 2018
showcased their individual talents while clad
in uniquely-designed costumes made from
recycled indigenous materials.

Earth Day message

“It is difficult to give an inspiring message at

this point because I can see that all of you
are already inspired,” said GM Figueroa
during his closing remarks.

Assistant GM Anthony Quijano also shared

his own reflection during the ceremonies:
“The biggest advantage of Agata is that we
started with the end in mind. Everything
that we do now is projected towards the
future – and when we conclude our
operations – we know what we will be
handing-over to the community. We are
making a name for ourselves not just in
terms of efficient operations, but also with
respect to the environment.”
“In line with the executive order issued by
President Duterte for mining companies to
shape up, we can say that Agata is on the
right track, as it has been doing right from
the very start. As leader of the multi-partite
monitoring team, I have also seen how
responsive the management is when it
comes to our recommendations.” concluded
MGB Forester Cañete.
Fulfilling commitments
While the company commemorates Earth
Day annually, it fulfills the spirit of
observance every day through waste
segregation and energy conservation. It
also constantly reminds employees to follow
environmental rules and regulations.
Agata’s partnership with the national
government’s flagship National Greening
Program also resulted in the reforestation of
some 94.92 hectares. The company’s
environmental programs alone have
employed over 100 local residents in the
second half of 2017 and even more in 2018.
Since 2010, Agata adopted the 29-kilometer
Kalinawan River – the cleanest inland body
of water in CARAGA region. The company's
employee and residents regularly clean and
plant trees in its riverbanks.
Spotless Environmental Performance
of Agata is a ‘First in History’ – MGB
The Multipartite Monitoring Team and Mine Rehabilitation Fund
Committee commend Agata for having “no negative findings”
Agata was recently commended by the DENR’s
Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in
Caraga for achieving an “excellent performance”
on its environmental activities, in compliance with
its Annual Environmental Protection and
Enhancement Program (AEPEP) and
Environmental Compliance Certificate
(ECC). The accolade came after the inspection
of the Multi-Partite Monitoring Team (MMT) -
which was concluded with no negative findings
and (nor) observations.
As MGB-13 Regional Director Roger A. De Dios
puts it, “this is a first in history
commendation.” The citation was given during
the regular meeting of the Mine Rehabilitation
Fund Committee (MRFC) chaired by RD De
Dios himself.
The MRFC is responsible for ensuring that the
activities in the approved EPEP and Annual
EPEP are implemented by the mining
company. Members include the RD of the
region’s Environmental Management Bureau
(EMB), representatives from the provincial
government, NGOs and civil society groups,
among others.
Parallel to this, the Multi-partite Monitoring Team
(MMT) is the designated monitoring arm of the
MRFC. It is headed by representatives
from MGB-13, EMB-13, the local barangays and
host indigenous tribes, among others.
As of June 2018, Agata has more than 420
personnel – 80% of whom are from its host and
neighboring communities in Barangays
Lawigan, Tinigbasan, Tagpangahoy and
Binuangan in Tubay Municipality; Barangays E.
Morgado, Tagbuyacan and La Paz in Santiago
Municipality; and Barangay Colorado in
Jabonga Municipality. Its work force includes
men and women as well as members of the
indigenous Mamanwa and Manobo tribes.
Since its operation, the company maintained the
timely salary and wage disbursement of its
personnel. In addition, its contractors also
employ an estimated 600 employees working in
Agata.
Meantime, tax payments have been made to
both the national and local governments as well
as concerned agencies – contributing to the
overall development of the country.
Agata believes that “Multiplying the bread is a
moral commitment.” And while the company is
driven by this philosophy, the communities are
benefitting from increased economic activity and
the establishment of a bus terminal in Jabonga,
DTI Trade Centers and other infrastructure
projects such as access roads and improved
bridges and waterways.

Page 5
2018 Year-in-Review

Blazing the Trail

to the National Fire
Brigade Championship
Agata bags two awards at the 2018
ANMSEC Field Safety Competition

On the way to winning the company’s

Presidential Mineral Industry Environment
Award in Baguio City, the Agata
Emergency Response Team sent its elite
members to compete at the National
Safety Competition and bested 10 other
teams to be proclaimed Fire Brigade
Champion. During the competition, Philex
Mining Corp was awarded first runner-up,
followed by Platinum Group Metals
Corporation while defending champion, The hardest obstacle is the Up-the-Ladder
Apex Mining, ranked fourth overall. drill where the nozzle man must climb and
leg-lock at the ninth rung of the ladder and
Other participating teams include Nickel hit the target colored panels while team
Asia Corp., Oceana Gold, Masbate Gold,
Lepanto, Republic Cement, Itogon- Suyoc
Resources and FCF Minerals. Elite Rescuers

In addition to winning top honors, Agata
Mines Personnel and ERT Member
Rodney Bongato won second runner-up in
the fire extinguishment leg of the
competition with only a milli-second
difference from the next winning
participant.
Held on the sidelines of the Annual
National Mine Safety Environment
Conference, the safety field competition
once again drew the best emergency
response teams from mining companies
across the country who proved their mettle
in conducting emergency drills such as fire
brigade, fire extinguishment and first-aid.
Rising above
The Agata ERT finished in record time
during the Busted Hose and Up-the-
Ladder drills, and later cornered the
championship title in the Fire Brigade
competition.
The drills required contenders to pick-up a
six-kilogram fire hose, nozzle and ladder
from the starting point then sprint the 50-
feet distance along a designated
area. They must then connect hoses and
nozzle then hit colored panel targets in
order from green, yellow and red.
During the drills, umpires issue demerits
on teams according to safety rules, proper
execution and time.
Page 6
The eight-member Agata ERT all hail from
the company’s host communities and
specialize in various fields: health care,
data management, IT, chemical assay,
security and mining operations.
But despite varied roles in the company,
they volunteered and devoted their time to
train and hone their skills for two months
prior to the competition.
Early on, community members were also
trained through the company’s partnership
with the PDRRMO-Agusan del Norte and
the BFP-Caraga. Key personnel are
likewise trained and accredited in Basic
First Aid and Mass Casualty Rescue
Management while eight other Community
Emergency Response Teams were also
established – all trained and equipped by
the government agency and Agata ERT
volunteers.
“Regardless of gender, we learn to be
ready at all times. We also encourage
volunteerism and share our skills with our
communities. We can be heroes in our
simple way,” shared Safety Inspector
Chrizza Joy Polistico.
Prioritizing safety
Agata has surpassed 15 million safe man
hours and zero Loss Time due to Accidents
(LTA) with more than 800 personnel
working shifts on a 24-7 basis. In May this
Agata Mines Personnel and ERT Member
Rodney Bongato likewise won second runner-up
in the fire extinguishment competition with only a
milli-second difference from the next winning
participant.
year, Agata held its first Safety Olympics
among its employees, contractors and
communities – further cultivating a culture of
constant awareness among its ranks.
“Our Safety and Health Department takes all
necessary precautions available to safeguard
our people against potential risks. Today’s
preparations can save lives tomorrow,” said
Senior Safety Officer Aldrin Arieta.
The department ensures all personnel are
given complete Personal Protection
Equipment (PPE) while contractors are also
included during ISO Standards Audit and
other safety and health trainings. Routine
safety toolbox pep talks are also conducted
during shift transition.
Agata Responders Top Provincial Fire Olympics
Prior to bagging the National Fire
Brigade Championship, Agata was
hailed as Agusan del Norte's best
Fire Brigade
Agata Mining Ventures Inc. (AMVI) took its fire drills
to new heights at the Fire Olympics held last May 29
at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Butuan City
where the company’s Emergency Response Team
(ERT) once again bagged first place. The
competition was initiated by Provincial Governor
Angel M. Amante-Matba through the Provincial
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office
(PDRRMO) leadership, Erma Suyo, and in
partnership with Caraga’s Bureau of Fire Protection
and the Provincial Fire Brigade.

Six contingents competed from different areas of

Agusan del Norte. The event tested the strength of
the participants’ capabilities, enhanced their
knowledge and skills in firefighting and rescue
operations including their respective Fire Brigades.
The Fire Olympics also aimed to build camaraderie
and solidarity among the front liners in firefighting
operations while highlighting the importance and key
functions of an organized Fire Brigade.
Agata has always believed in the dedication and
commitment of its personnel. It has invested heavily
in safety and maintained its ISO certification while
upholding the industry’s highest ethical standards
and stewardship of the natural environment.
Prior to the Provincial competition, the company conducted its first Safety Olympics among its personnel. The event
was held at the company’s activity area in Barangay Lawigan of this municipality where all nine departments
competed in essential safety and rescue challenges.
“Safety is not just structures or materials. It is also and even the national competitions. The team was
awareness, attitude, and most of all, embracing a brainchild of Assistant General Manager Anthony
the essence of saving lives. Agata believes in its Quijano.
capacity to mold and provide opportunities for its
communities; thus, it also braves the challenge of “It is inspiring to know that in every moment of our
ensuring safety,” explained General Manager operations, there are men and women who are
Emil Figueroa. willing to face hard work, intensive training and the
burden of risk just to keep others out of harm’s way
The Agata ERT volunteers have been tested as – just the intention to save lives, anytime and
they participated frequently in provincial, regional anywhere,” he said.

In the Aftermath of Tropical Storm Basyang,

Agata Provides Relief to
Caraga Communities
Affected communities receive immediate response

After the Tropical Storm Basyang left a path
of destruction in Caraga Region, Agata
immediately provided relief to affected
communities in Barangay San Vicente,
Jabonga Municipality, Agusan del Norte
Province and Barangay Alipao, Alegria
Municipality, Surigao del Norte Province.
Tropical Storm ‘Basyang’ – international
name Sanba – ravaged through the region
last February 13, displacing almost 9,000
families in Caraga according to the
Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) Region 13.
In San Vicente, 130 families were brought to
the barangay evacuation center due to the
overflowing river. AMVI was among the first
to respond by providing relief packs per
family consisting of rice, sardines, instant
noodles and a gallon of
distilled water each.
Moreover, AMVI also
assisted the barangay in
rehabilitating the local
Led by Agata Safety and Volunteer ERT members, mine workers repaired
road, which was barangay roads of the affected communities and rationed potable water supply
destroyed by heavy rains. for the typhoon affected coastal communities.
The company’s personnel
and barangay residents worked hand-in- was sent to provide the locals with clean
hand to fill potholes and muddy portions of freshwater since the barangay water supply
the road with gravel in order to normalize was damaged”. In total, four loads of water,
transportation in the area. equivalent to 40,000 liters, were distributed
to the residents.
In coordination with the Bureau of Fire
Protection (BFP) and PGMC, Agata The company’s ERT also assisted in the
likewise deployed its six-man Emergency cleaning and clearing operations of Alipao
Response Team (ERT) to conduct water Elementary School where many of the
rationing in Barangay Alipao. Senior classrooms were flooded and needed to be
Safety Officer Aldrin Arieta said “the team cleared from mud and debris.
Page 7
Agata Commemorates National Heroes Day
with Two-day Medical Outreach Program
Barangay Lawigan residents receive free medical check-ups and medicines
More than 200 patients in Agata’s host
community in Barangay Lawigan, Tubay
Municipality of this province received free
medical check-ups, medicines and vitamins
from the company during a recent two-day
medical mission. The outreach program for
coastal residents and fisher folks – and
mostly their children aged 10 and below –
was spearheaded by Agata.
As the country celebrated National Heroes
Day, Agata sent its team of community
relations officers, physicians, two medical
nurses, 15 volunteers from the Agata
Emergency Response Team and key
members of its Safety and Health
Department. The full complement of
personnel provided necessary diagnostic
and immediate care to needy patients in the
seaside community.
In addition to the Lawigan mission, an
earlier medical outreach was also
conducted in nearby Barangay Tagbuyacan
in Santiago, which is one of Agata’s three
host municipalities that include Tubay and
Jabonga. Meanwhile, upcoming missions in
the remaining coastal communities are
likewise set to be conducted within the year.
Better access to health
Even before bringing its operation on-
stream, Agata has been providing medical
and health services to its communities
especially those along the shoreline of
Tubay: Barangays Lawigan, Tinigbasan,
Binuangan and Tagpangahoy. These
coastal communities are difficult to access
due to poor roads that are frequently
damaged by the elements while reaching
these places by sea is likewise challenged
Page 8
by occasional
typhoons and heavy
swells.
“The people’s health
is very much at risk
every now and
then. (But) we are
blessed with Agata’s
presence in our
community. We do
not feel worried
since the company
has lived-up to its
word,” declared
Barangay Chairman
Nilo G. Mordeno.
The company earmarked some P1.7 million of its yearly Social Development
Other health issues and Management Program budget for similar local missions that have already
addressed by the reached over 700 beneficiaries.
mission include
urinary tract infection, hypertension, skin measures and escalation plans to better
diseases, tension headaches, muscle secure people in the area.
spasms, arthritis and various gastro-
intestinal problems, among others. “Agata’s extensive safety and disaster
preparedness is worth emulating. Across
“Agata also provided us boats that help the province, we are pushing these activities
ferry our children to school every day as to be replicated in other major companies
well as transportation in times of distress and industries. Agata sets the bar high in
or emergency,” Mordeno added. providing safety for the public across the
province,” according Officer Erma Suyo of
Health and safety the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction
Management Office.
In the wake of landslides caused by recent
typhoons in the country, the community’s Currently, Agata has a standby fire truck, two
health and safety have taken center stage ambulances, a 24-hour medical clinic and a fully-
in the priorities of the Philippine extractive trained and equipped emergency response team
industry. And it is one that Agata does not that will respond in times of emergencies or natural
wish to compromise. calamities. The company also holds regular fire
drills, emergency and basic life support trainings as
Before the start of mining operations, well as a Rescue Olympics among its employees
Agata’s communities have been marked in and contractors. It has been consecutively the
the Mines and Winner of Provincial Rescue Olympics being
Geosciences Bureau’s conducted annually by the PDRRMO in Agusan
(MGB) Geohazard Map – del Norte.
one that is prone to
landslides, flooding, swell, “Addressing the welfare of our communities,
tsunamis and frequent especially their health and safety, is always on top
bushfires due to its natural of our list. No matter how far or what time, Agata is
landscape. Thus, in set to deliver and take responsibility. This is the
addition to increasing the kind of commitment that we instill among our
economic activity and employees as well as our beneficiary
providing jobs and communities,” concluded Assistant GM Anthony
livelihood, Agata Quijano
established necessary
“We do not feel worried since the company has lived-
up to its word,” declared Barangay Chairman Nilo G.
Mordeno
Thicker than Water:
Volunteerism Ties Agata to Yearly Blood Donation Drive
Agata and Philippine National Red Cross jointly conduct fourth
Blood Donation Drive
In the spirit of volunteerism that drove several
successful humanitarian initiatives in past
years, dozens of Agata personnel once again
responded to the Philippine National Red
Cross’ (PNRC) call by participating in this
year’s blood donation drive conducted at the
company’s field office in Barangay Lawigan,
Tubay Municipality of Agusan del Norte.
Agata partnered with the Red Cross’ Butuan City
Chapter for the fourth time in a row. This year’s
activity was led by Mr. Teodoro Cario who
commended the company’s consistent cooperation.
Agata’s Health and Safety Department staff were all
accounted for as they needed to evaluate, screen
and collect blood from about 10 volunteers every
hour. Company personnel, its contractors and
members of Special Civilian Active Auxiliary (SCAA)
where likewise all on deck, contributing a total of
Yearend Blood Donation Drive
Underscores Volunteerism Among Agata Employees
Agata renews support for media partner’s annual Dugong Bombo program
Before bringing its nickel laterite DSO project on-
stream in 2014, Agata already supported the
annual Dugong Bombo – a nationwide blood
donation drive of media partner, Bombo
Radyo. Since then, Agata and its employees have
consistently supported the initiative which
generated over 400,000 CC of donated blood
across the Caraga Region in the past four years
while the nationwide total has exceeded 17
million CC for the same period.
The Butuan City leg was held at Robinson’s Place,
generating support from close to 200 successful
donors, including volunteers from Agata and other
organizations. Across the country it has received
donations from more than 8,400 volunteers with
more than 3.8 million CC (1,000 gallons) generated.
In line with its health and humanitarian activities, the
company has consistently supported the charitable
initiatives of Bombo Radyo – a leading news
organization in Agusan del Norte Province
broadcasting through DXBR 981.
Ongoing strong partnership
“We truly appreciate Agata’s consistency in serving
the community and sharing its resources. There is
truly a sense of responsibility (among) their
employees who donated their blood,” said Butuan
Station Manager Benjie Balansag.
Agata and Bombo Radyo have been public affairs
28,800 cc of blood – exceeding last
year’s total volume of 22,950 cc.
To date, AMVI’s blood donations to
the Red Cross since 2015 have
already reached 96,300 cc or
equivalent to 25.4 gallons.
“In the past four years, Agata has
maintained a strong partnership with
the PNRC and our annual blood drive is a receive the award.
manifestation to this. And this year, we surpassed Public health is a core advocacy of Agata and is a
our collection target,” said Senior Safety Officer core component in its Social Development and
Aldrin Arieta. Management Program (SDMP), which includes the
In 2016, the PNRC recognized Agata as one of improvement of barangay health centers,
its Outstanding Corporate Supporters for its increasing medical supplies and providing
consistent contribution to its various activities and additional medical equipment for community health
for being one of the top private companies that centers across its host and neighboring
has provided the most blood donations. Agata is communities in Santiago, Jabonga and Tubay
the sole mining company in Caraga region to Municipalities.
region. The mission provides free physical and
optical check-ups, eyeglasses, dental consultations
and extractions, circumcisions and cyst removals.
Bloodline
Agata supports successful multi-sectoral
partners even before the mining company’s partnerships such as its collaboration with the
operations. To date, both organizations have Rotary Club, the local government unit and the
spearheaded and supported public health and Philippine National Red Cross, which
welfare initiatives that have benefitted various acknowledged the company among its
sectors in the region. Outstanding Corporate Supporters for consistently
contributing to its various activities.
Ensuring health and safety first
On its part, Agata programs under its Social
Agata department heads enjoined staff to take a Development and Management Program include
pre-screening test as part of the company’s the improvement of barangay health centers,
health monitoring activities beforehand. The test increasing the supply of medicines and providing
results omitted those with high-blood pressure, additional medical equipment for community health
lack of sleep, menstrual periods, recent foreign centers.
travel, scheduled flights within the past 24 hours
and physically-demanding
work.
Bloodletting activities
conducted at the Agata
mine site in partnership
with the Philippine
National Red Cross brings
the company’s cumulative
donation to over 90,000
CC since 2015.
Agata also plays an active
role in the annual Bombo
Medico – the largest
humanitarian mission in
Caraga that provides
Mines Department staff, Cesar Ian I. Gudito, is one of the pioneer staff of
medical care to over
Agata and consistent donor to Dugong Bombo since 2016.
3,000 beneficiaries in the
Page 9
 2018 Year-in-Review
For the 5th Year in a Row:
RMN Medical Mission Gets Added Boost from Agata
66th Anniversary Celebration of RMN DXBC commemorated with free
medical and dental services
Agata, for the fifth consecutive year, supported the
medical mission of media partner RMN DXBC
Butuan – one of the country’s top radio stations
commemorating its 66th founding anniversary
through a humanitarian outreach program. The
mission served over 1,000 beneficiaries from
different parts of Agusan del Norte who benefitted
from free medical and dental services, medicines
and eyeglasses. It also provided physical therapy
and detox treatments as well as haircuts for
hundreds of attendees.
The organizers provided vitamins, supplements,
soap, toothpaste and shampoo to more than 600
beneficiaries in an active bid to promote proper
hygiene. Radio Personalities also led the games
and other activities, adding to the festivities of
RMN’s anniversary mission.
RMN and Agata were joined by other partner
agencies: Department of Health Caraga, City
Health Office of Butuan City, the Philippine National
Army and the Philippine National
Police. Meanwhile, the Philippine Medical
Association, Philippine Dental Association, Eagles
Club and other business establishments
comprised the socio-civic organizations who
likewise extended their support.
From Shore to Shore: Agata ‘School Boat’ Ferries Kids to School
No more perilous trek for the students of Tinigbasan National High School
In Barangay Lawigan, Tubay Municipality,
going to school during their elementary
years was literally a risk on life and limb as
they needed to wade through high tide
waters and climb on top of slippery boulders
in order to make it on time. Today, things
have changed dramatically thanks to a
reliable motorboat that is designated to take
them to and from school on a daily basis.
“Now I no longer worry about getting late,”
said Tinigbasan National High School Grade
11 student Mary Jane Cabig – a resident of
Sitio Sowa in Barangay Lawigan – and
whose dream of riding safely in a school
boat was finally realized through Agata.
Daily grind
The students used to traverse the rocky
coastline to reach their school, which is three
(3) kilometers away. The road near the sea
is very difficult for vehicles to pass and the
daily trek takes about almost two (2) hours
Page 10
Within its beneficiary communities, Agata already
reached more than 3,000 beneficiaries through its
medical missions. In addition, there are some 700
patients who benefited from free consultations and
medicines in Agata’s clinic, which serves residents’
and employees’ families.
Over 5,300 served
“Our safety and health initiative is our legacy to our
The joint commitment of Agata and RMN marked employees and communities. It is not just for the
a milestone with more than 5,300 beneficiaries company to reach millions of safe man hours, but
served since 2014. This is in addition to over also capacitating its communities in preparation for
147,000 beneficiaries served by the radio calamities or untoward incidents,” explained
network’s nationwide roll-out of its anniversary Assistant General Manager Anthony B. Quijano.
medical mission.
“Agata has been
consistent in its
commitment to extend
its support towards
people’s health – as it
has shown for the 5th
time as our major
supporter. It did not
limit its generosity to its
host communities. But
rather, it even
extended here to
Butuan City,”
expressed Butuan
Station Manager
Ramil Bangues while
distributing donated
medicines.
Free medical and dental services. The RMN Medical Mission provided free
dental services as well as medicines through Agata’s support.
from point to point. The journey becomes Additionally, the school boat also
even more dangerous during high tide as transports over a dozen elementary
students needed to climb on the boulders students from Sitio Sowa to Lawigan
to get across. Elementary School in the barangay proper
– which is also at a significant distance if
Grade 12 student Kenneth James Dorata travelled on foot. Before this, young grade
said that the one-way trip also required schoolers had to walk over 30 minutes
them to bring extra clothes since the ones each way just to get to school due to the
they were wearing during the journey were lack of a proper road connecting the Sitio
likely already wet by the time they arrived in and the barangay proper.
school.
The school boat is also utilized by the
A safe passage community to ferry sick people to the
nearest road point during emergency
Currently, some 34 students from grades 7 situations, according to Agata Community
to 12 are transported daily by the Agata Relations Superintendent Jonathan
school boat. The trip takes around 15 Bañez. In terms of operating the
minutes from Lawigan to Tinigbasan where motorboat, Agata allocates fuel on a
the high school is located. Since the boat monthly basis, an honorarium for the two
has limited capacity, the students are operators as well as support for
transported in two batches. By noon, the maintenance and the general upkeep of
boat is docked in Sitio Sowa and returns to the craft.
fetch the students in the afternoon after
their classes. Each passenger is also given a life jacket
that they must wear before they board the
Four Years Hence: Agata and
Bombo Radyo Reunite for
Caraga’s Largest
Humanitarian Mission
The Agata-Bombo Radyo partnership was formed even prior to the
mining company’s operations
Agata once again assumed a major sponsorship
for Bombo Medico – the annual medical and
dental mission of its long-time media partner,
Bombo Radyo. It is the largest humanitarian
mission in the Caraga Region with over 3,000
beneficiaries from the provinces of Agusan del
Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao Del Norte. The
mission provides free physical and optical check-
ups, eyeglasses, dental consultations and
extractions and even circumcision. This year, the
mission also added cyst removal among its free
medical services.
For the fourth consecutive year, the company has
supported Bombo Medico and has provided much
-needed medicines such as Amoxicillin,
Mefenamic Acid, Tranexamic Acid and various
antibiotics as well as other surgical supplies in
order to address the needs of its beneficiaries.
Statistical success
As Bombo Medico increases its offered medical
services each year, so does the number of
beneficiaries and the type of diagnosed medical
conditions during the activity.
motorboat. The Agata school boat is also
not allowed to operate during rough weather.
The journey ahead
Lawigan’s Barangay Secretary Miriam
Coñado said that students are always eager
Respiratory, cardiovascular
and other related ailments
diagnosed for most adult
participants are commonly
attributed to an unhealthy
lifestyle, which includes Free medical and dental services. Bombo Medico provides medicines for patients
excessive alcohol intake though Agata’s donation as well as dental and other much-needed medical
and cigarette smoking, procedures.
while skin and gastro-related ailments affect the removals as well as cleft lip and palate operations
majority of children and infants and are
commonly attributed to poor hygiene and
sanitation in households within impoverish
communities.
During the event, some 332 reading glasses
were provided to beneficiaries while wheelchairs, Wealth of the community
crutches and canes were also given to needy
patients free of charge. The mission also
conducted 42 prostate screenings, 42 urine
analyses, 18 HIV tests, 42 cyst screenings and
312 pediatric consultations.
The mission also received over 800 patients with Processing Sharing Agreement (MPSA) area that
various health concerns: pulmonary, gynecology,
cardiology and internal medicine. Meantime,
other procedures like dental extractions, cyst
to ride the school boat. “Some students
already wait at the school boat’s assembly
area as early as 6 AM – which somehow
shows how they are now more enthusiastic
about going to school,” she added.
Marilou Capon, who has been teaching in the
benefitted some 144 patients. Bombo Medico also
conducted a nutrition and feeding program for over
1,000 children and parents. In addition, other
services like physical therapy, haircuts and even
legal services were also provided free of charge.
Agata’s dedication to provide the same
commitment for the health and general welfare of
its direct communities has extended to the Caraga
Region via Bombo Medico. Among the
communities in it 4,995-hectare Mineral
spans three towns, Agata has already conducted a
number of medical missions for its coastal and
inland barangays in previous years.
school for the past 13 years, said that since the
school boat became operational, she saw a
significant improvement in attendance and
participation among Barangay Lawigan students.
“Before the school boat came, the students
had to wake up as early as 3 AM so they can
start their journey and catch-up with their
morning classes. However, by the time they
arrive, they are already too tired to attend
their classes that they simply skip them so
they can take a rest. They also had to leave
early in the afternoon as they still had to
walk home. So the school boat is really a big
help to the students,” Capon explained.
With the school boat now making their
journey much easier, Kenneth and Mary
Jane – and the rest of Lawigan’s youth –
have become motivated more than ever to
pursue and finish their education so they can
help their families.
Safe and convenient. Kenneth James Dorata,
Tinigbasan National High School Grade 12 student and
resident of Sitio Sowa in Barangay Lawigan, Municipality
of Tubay, boards the Agata school boat – a far cry from
their previously dangerous two-hour trek from home to
school, and which now only takes 15 minutes.
Page 11
2018 Year-in-Review

Mining Royalties Sow the Seeds

of Lasting Development
Mapaso Indigenous community looks to a sustainable future
“By 2020, all our efforts will pay off when we
start harvesting the crops,” said an
enthusiastic Raymond Plasquita Moron,
Indigenous Peoples Organization (IPO) OIC
and Chairman of the Mamanwa Mapaso
Tribal Sectoral Organization of Barangay La
Paz, Santiago Municipality. The IP leader
expressed his motivation as he took refuge
from the hot sun in the community farm’s
bunk house, taking a pause after making his
rounds of inspecting the crops along the
rolling hills.

To sustain the development of their

community farm, the organization
implemented its portion of the Community
Royalty Development Program (CRDP) co-
developed by the tribe and Agata. The
CRDP is funded every quarter and is
designed and implemented specifically for
the local IP sector in order for them to
realize the full potential of their royalty share
over the long-term.
Aside from the Mamanwas of Mapaso, three
other IPOs are also on the road to
sustainable development through their
respective CRDPs: the Coro Mamanwa
Tribal Organization (CMTO) of Barangay
Colorado, Jabonga Municipality; the Ayrag
Mamanwa Tribal Management Organization
(AMTMO) and the Agata Mamanwa Tribal
Organization (AMTO) in Barangay E.
Morgado – both in Santiago Municipality.
Achieving sustainability
Albert Plasquita Moron, tribal council member and
project head, manages the community farm and
regularly checks the young seedlings. On his part,
younger brother Raymond also conducts weekly
visits to check their needs as well as assist in grass
clearing and the general upkeep of the facilities.
Across more than 23 hectares, the Mapaso IPs
have planted a wide variety of cash crops and
trees since its establishment in November 2015 to
date: cacao (8,400), coffee (1,300), rubber (900),
falcata (8,300), mahogany (6,000), abaca (7,000),
durian (90), and dozens of rambutan,
mangosteen, lanzones, and pomelo
seedlings. Among these, Agata directly provided
over 700 seedlings for the Mapaso community
farm.
In addition, the tribe is also preparing the area for
cash crops such as vegetables. Albert said that
eventually they won’t have to go to the market
Page 12
Albert Plasquita Moron (Left), tribal project head, inspects the mahogany seedlings in their local
nursery where cacao and other seedlings are also being cultivated prior to transplanting in the 23-
hectare community farm. (inset top photo) Agata Community Relations staff Mario Bantasan Jr.
attempts to extract abaca fiber using the traditional Mamanwa method.
anymore when their vegetable garden becomes employees work diligently. If some employees
sustainable enough to provide for the needs of cannot handle the work, then he is willing to hire
their members. others regardless of whether they are IPs or not.
Beyond mining Sowing the seeds
“The company’s CRDP really helped a To reach the area – and since the connecting
lot. Without it, we will never be able to operate at bridge was destroyed years ago – one has to
this level since we also have to fend for cross Kalinawan River from Purok 8 in Barangay
ourselves,” Raymond said. He added that they La Paz. Then upon reaching the river bank, it is a
are very grateful to the company that their dream 1.5-hour uphill trek in order to reach the farm itself.
of bringing lasting development to the Mapaso
sector is now being realized, thanks to their While access to the community farm is rather
royalty share. challenging, Raymond is positive that all their
efforts will eventually pay off. He even dreams of
Agata’s Community Relations Superintendent establishing a community within the farm as it
Jonathan Bañez said that “The royalty that is becomes more productive and will need more
being given to the IPs can be seen as start-up people to maintain it.
capital for sustainable development that will
benefit future generations.” Raymond said that they look forward to the future
when their project is efficient enough that they
An end to need won’t need to anxiously wait for the release of their
royalty. Albert even added in jest that the company
A significant impact fostered creation of can then release their royalty on an annual basis.
employment opportunities for its community
members. The organization currently employs Both brothers are fully aware that mining is not
over 20 laborers to work in the farm, each forever. Nonetheless, the entire Mamanwa
receiving a competitive daily wage of PhP 300. Mapaso Tribal Sectoral Organization is just
preparing for their future generations to reap from
Raymond emphasized that he needs to ensure the hard work of their ancestors – seeds that they
productivity and that his only requirement is that have planted today.
Agata Fisherfolks Cast-Off on Maiden Voyage
38 motorized and 33 paddle boats set local fishermen on course to greater livelihood opportunities
Under its Social Development Management
Program (SDMP) for 2018, Agata provided
an extra boost to local livelihood by
contributing new motorized pump boat
engines and paddle boats to three of its host
fishing communities in Barangays Lawigan,
Tagpangahoy and Tinigbasan in Tubay
municipality.
Fishing is an inherited trade of the coastal
community. It is their main source of
livelihood as well as food for their families.
Each household in the area has about four
to eight members.
In a handover ceremony led by Agata
General Manager Emilio T. Figueroa III and
Community Relations Superintendent
Jonathan Bañez, the company completed
the delivery of 38 pump boat engines and 33
paddle boats that will benefit more than 180
fisher folk household-members in the three
fishing villages.
The pump boat engines were received by
Tagpangahoy Barangay Captain Neilmar
Mangmang, members of the Barangay
Council and officers of the Tagpangahoy
Fisher folks Association (TFFA), while the
paddleboats were turned-over to Lawigan-
Sua Fisherfolks and Farmers Association
(LASFFA) Officers and Members in
Barangay Lawigan.
“We truly appreciate the company’s concern
for our needs, especially the source of
livelihood of our community. In addition to
jobs provided for our constituents, they
(Agata) also provided a better opportunity to
support our main source of livelihood, which
is fishing,” Mangmang said.
Beyond mining
Miralyn Pilar, former chairman of the TFFA, added
that Agata’s presence in their community has
improved their situation. “We can send our
children to school – up to college – our school
facilities are better, and we are given new skills that
bring us better opportunities,” according to Pilar.
GM Figueroa encouraged the communities to plan
for the long-term and beyond the life of the Agata
mine: “We in Agata encourage you to strive. Think
of more initiatives that the company can
support. Mining may not be forever but Agata’s
legacy will live on in a stronger, economically-
stable community.”
Meantime, the company is preparing another
batch of paddle boats to be given to the next batch
of beneficiary fishermen.
(Above) The Lawigan–Sua Farmers
and Fisherfolks Association (LAFFA)
receive 33 new paddleboats from
Agata, paving the way for a bigger
catch across the shores of Tubay in
Agusan del Norte Province.
(Right) Thank you,
Agata! Members of the
Tagpangahoy Farmers and
Fisherfolks Association and
Barangay Council come together
with Agata management and staff during the turn
-over of the new pump boat engines.
Expanding opportunities fisherman at least PhP 200.00 a
day. Most Tubaynons have not been fishing
Locals get excited every time foreign vessels daily since they have old and risky
arrive at the Agata port in Tubay, mainly due to boats. Now with the arrival of the new
the ships’ strong lights that attract the paddleboats, they are assured and confident
fish. Fisherman Alberto Soliva, 45 years old, to venture out every day.
shares that every time these huge vessels anchor
themselves, “there’s always the opportunity of Grassroots development
having bigger fish catch easily at night.”
Mines and Geosciences Bureau (Caraga)
The new set of pump boat engines can also bring Regional Director Roger De Dios directed mining
them farther out to sea. Ricardo Dollera, 48 years companies to allocate a bigger percentage of their
old, was a recipient of the first batch of engines approved SDMPs to fund sustainable livelihood
provided by Agata two years ago. “These interventions for the beneficiary communities
engines are really durable and dependable. Until during the Caraga Business Forum last July in
now, it still serves me both for fishing and other Surigao City.
personal purposes like transporting goods and
ferrying my family to Butuan City.” No less than President Rodrigo Duterte, in his
2018 State of the Nation Address, underscored the
A fisherman normally earns more than PhP500 a responsibility of mining companies to develop their
day with the use of an engine-driven pump boat immediate communities, help the people, and take
for fishing since it can go farther and return faster the lead in managing the environment.
while their catch is still fresh. They can also make
more than one trip out to sea whenever the Agata aligned itself to the President’s
weather permits. mandate. Since 2016, the company has
maximized its SDMP to provide support for
Likewise, a typical paddle boat can earn a livelihood development in its host and adopted
communities. Page 13
Agata - Supported Mabakas Farm School
Turns Former Dump Site into Learning Institution
Paving the road to agriculture for sustainable communities
In continuously bringing its initiatives
closer to the needs of its communities,
Agata recently completed the
establishment of the Mabakas Farm
School in Sitio Coro, Jabonga
Municipality – a project that is one
year in the making, and which took-off
from the company’s former Techno
Demo Farm in the area. Prior to being
a certified farm school, the facility
served as a training site for vegetable
and urban gardening as well as a
community nursery for various plant
species.
Agata officially launched the facility
located some 1.5 kilometers away
from the national road and formerly
served as a municipal dump site. But
with the local government’s
permission, Agata constructed the
new farm school to help enhance the
community’s agricultural output in the
area.
Enhancing livelihood
The LGU supported and agreed to let
Agata use the area for a demo farm,
explained Mayor Jasmin Monton. She
expressed that “the local government is
equally committed to ensuring the farm
school will be sustained beyond Agata’s
mining operations and encourage other
agencies to support this as well.”
“Mabakas” is a Mamanwa word that stands for “hardworking.” The organic farm school imbibes this virtue as it
endeavors to help the local farmers – tribal and non-tribal communities who are willing to learn.
Page 14
“The company envisions a
sustainable development for its
communities through the
establishment of the Mabakas
Farm School. It can help alleviate
malnutrition among the children
and teach the parents how to grow The inauguration of the Mabakas Farm School was officially led by
Jabonga Municipal Mayor, Hon. Jasmin Monton, and key Agata
organic vegetables in their own
executives: General Manager Emilio T. Figueroa III and Community
backyards,” according to GM Emil
Relations Superintendent Jonathan A. Bañez. Also present during the
Figueroa.
event were Genome Fortun, on behalf of the Sipag Villar Foundation,
and Caraga Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Senior Agriculturist
Mabakas currently offers NC II Heracleo Paler.
courses: Produce Organic
Vegetable and Organic Agriculture is also given a pack of assorted vegetable
Production – which are both certificate seeds, courtesy of Department of Agriculture
courses recognized all over the (DA), and school supplies from the Office of
Philippines. Moreover, the school is also Sen. Villar.
planning to offer other courses this year to
develop skills and enhance the Vegetable plots are assigned for the
competitiveness of local farmers, including students to apply their theoretical knowledge,
the indigenous Mamanwa communities. and after completing the course, they will be
given Certificates of Competency (COCs).
The farm school is an Agata flagship
project under its initiative, Integrated Area
Growth Approach Towards Attaining From Page 16
Sustainability (iAGATAs). Its staff are also
trained to be certified instructors in order to Community Day...
help accommodate the students from host
and neighboring barangays. “Holding a TESDA Certificate can bring
better things in life. I deeply appreciate
Practical knowledge Agata for sharing these opportunities with
their stakeholders: food on the table from
The students are divided into four batches their gardens, and most of all, a means for
while classes are initially held twice weekly employment in agricultural farms and
from 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM. Each student plantations across the country,” Dir. Jamero
declared.
Always planning ahead
“Agata is a community of responsible
miners, environmentalists, workers,
farmers, fisher folks and indigenous people
that are united together on a great journey
that stems from starting it right and keeping
the end in sight. In the future, Agata will be
a haven for tourism and training for all the
people in its communities – a pride
stretching from its ridge to its reefs,”
according to Assistant GM Anthony
Quijano.
NGO workers, church members and DENR
representatives comprise the PMIEA
Inspection Team and the Multi-Partite
Monitoring Team that inspect Agata’s
coastlines. They have found a thriving
marine coral reef with various species
beneath its clear waters.
 “Cacao farming is a big help for our farmers. For those in
our mining community, we can further develop their farms
since it (Cacao) can be intercropped with coconut and
banana. We just need to hone their skills and provide further
support through the SDMP,” stressed Agata Community
Relations Staff and Mabakas Agri-Technician Sheila Mae
Arcala (second from left).

The ‘Sweet Life’

Cacao farmers is seen to bring greener
opportunities to these communities.

According to the Cacao Industry Roadmap 2017-

Inspires Agata Communities
Agata and the Department of Agricultural enable host community to
imbibe on Cacao farming
Following the successful launch of the Agata
-supported Mabakas Techno Demo Farm
School, the company recently rolled-out the
Trainers’ Training Program for Cacao
Farmers to help communities capture market
opportunities for the crop which is the main
ingredient for commercially-made
chocolates.
As part of the company’s Integrated Area
Growth Approach Towards Attaining
Sustainability (iAGATAs) program, the
training module is funded through Agata’s
Social Development Management Program
(SDMP), making the Mabakas Techno Demo
Farm School a springboard for high-value
crop production such as Cacao farming.
Theobroma Cacao, which is a genus of the
Cacao plant, literally translates to “Food for
the Gods” in Greek. Due to climate change
and rising temperatures, the world’s supply
of Cacao may face a shortage within a few
years, according to Mars – maker of M&Ms,
Snickers and Twix chocolates. This trend
becomes an opportunity to shift production
to Caraga Region in Mindanao.
A collaboration for development
Agata’s first batch of 136 students who received
NC II certifications in Organic Vegetable Farming
were invited by the Agricultural Training Institute
(ATI) of the Department of Agriculture as part of its
initiative to promote Cacao farming through
technical training.
For four months, students underwent rigorous
training on Agro-Ecosystem Analysis, Cacao
cultural management, management of major
pests and diseases, harvesting and post-harvest
handling, among other essential topics that
include financial management. The trainees
were also engaged in facilitating workshop
sessions and practical field activities.
Among the participants, scholarships for 12 of
Agata’s students from Mabakas were provided by
the Villar Sipag Foundation – a non-government
organizations that bridges public and private
sectors in providing agriculture-related trainings
and facilities to communities.
“Our aim is to foster a new generation of
entrepreneurs from the farming sector,” shared
Villar Sipag Mindanao Coordinator Genome
Fortun. “With the demand for Cacao farming and
the support of Agata, we hope that our upland
areas will have a bigger economic yield and
transform scholars into technical trainers in their
communities.”
Green ventures
Most communities in the Agata MPSA are
situated in highly lateritic soil and sloping
agricultural lands. In other areas, farmers depend
only on coconut and root crops that are not
enough for livelihood nor sustenance for their
families. The roll-out of the Trainers’ Training for
2022, the Cacao Industry has been gaining
recognition in local and overseas markets as the
cacao demand-supply gap increases. The
Philippines is conducive for cacao production and
is geographically accessible to foreign direct
markets.
“Mining is not forever, but the development and
technology brought to the community should
outlive mining,” quipped Agata General Manager
Emilio T. Figueroa III.
“The responsibility of the mining company is to
ensure these developments. These projects that
provide communities the needed capacity and
technical trainings must be geared towards
achieving a better community after mining
operations,” he concluded.
Replicating the technology
Agata’s 11 Cacao experts are from Barangay
Lawigan in Tubay, Barangay E. Morgado in
Santiago, and Barangay Colorado in Jabonga
Municipality.
To date, there are more than 35 hectares planted
with Cacao within Agata’s MPSA while over 20
hectares have been established by the
indigenous Manobo-Mamanwa Tribe. The
Barangay Lawigan-Sua Farmers and Fisherfolks
Association also has also planted in more than 14
hectares while the Municipality of Tubay also
commenced planting Cacao in its farm lots last
September.
More than 7,000 Cacao seedlings stored in the
Mabakas Farm are also ready for distribution to
other farm sites within the year.
Page 15
Community Day Takes Stock of Eventful Year,
Brings Agata Communities a Step Closer to Progress
Agata gathers communities to deliver annual ‘State of the Mine’
Agata believes that communication is key to
a harmonious relationship. “The more we
communicate, the better we know each
other, the better our chances to move
forward and manage the future together.”
In the span of over four years, its nickel
mining operation in Tubay, Santiago and
Jabonga Municipalities within the province of
Agusan del Norte has gone beyond merely
talking about its accomplishments. It has
engaged its communities in a progressive
dialogue on what programs have worked so
far as well as how to achieve mutual success
in the future.
As the year 2018 came to a close, the
company saw it fitting to invite neighboring
farmers, fisher folks and indigenous peoples
within its MPSA and talk shop: employment
of men and women from its barangays,
livelihood to harness both skills and available
natural resources, and future-oriented
programs that will sustain the communities
well beyond the life of the mine.
The event gathered over 380 barangay
council leaders, officers of People’s
Organizations and graduates of Agata’s
Mabakas Farm School. They were in good
spirits, gamely wearing specially-made
Community Day shirts for the occasion while
tokens and grocery items were also
distributed by the company’s Community
Relations personnel – all in the spirit of the
season.
Also in the spirit of transparency, Agata’s
management team were on board to deliver
a year-in-review led by no less than General
Manager Emilio T. Figueroa III and
department heads who represent respective
jurisdictions.
A solid victory
Agata’s adherence to the mining industry’s
highest standards and going beyond
compliance paved the way for cornering the
2018 Presidential Mineral Industry
Environment Award (PMIEA). This victory is
shared with the very community that Agata
serves and through whose cooperation the
award was achieved.
This year, the Agata Emergency Response
Team also hailed as the National Fire
Brigade Championship. Furthermore, the
DENR’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau
(MGB) in Caraga commended Agata for
Page 16
(Top) Victorious Agata
IP Beneficiaries and
personnel as one in
realizing their long-
sought Certificate of
Ancestral Domain Title
237 achieved through
the Royalty Share from
the mining revenues.
(Right) During the
Awarding Ceremonies,
women’s organization
members receive their
Certificate of Completion and tokens of well as plaques of recognition to the best
outstanding performances during the Mabakas performing barangays.
Scholarship Program.
More than 130 graduates received NCII
having “No negative findings,” which is a Training Certificates while the top 20
first in its history. These and other students each received a live piglet – a
commendations have been possible with symbolic token for venturing into the
the support and cooperation of the livestock business. These trainings are
community. Thus, this year’s Community expected to have a ‘ripple effect,’ enabling
Day bears the intent to share this victory students to share their learnings and assist
with the people. neighbors in improving their vegetable
garden and cacao farm.
“Responsible mining is when we improve Continue on P. 14
the lives of the people by protecting the
environment. If we know our communities
are safe, we in the mine site can also be Agata is a joint venture project of
safe,” according to GM Figueroa, further
inspiring communities to join every
emergency and safety training that are
periodically conducted in the mine site.
A push for organic farming
and
Highlighting Agata’s Community Day,
TESDA Provincial Director Julius Sol O.
Jamero led the distribution of the NCII
Organic Farming Certificates and awards to
Mabakas Techno Demo Farm students as