Philex Mining strengthens reforestation program

MANILA, Philippines –  Philex Mining Corp. is strengthening its reforestation program by tapping the wives of miners at its Padcal mine in Benguet province.

Philex said it plans to assist the Padcal miners’ wives to generate additional income through seedling propagation, planting and forest protection.

According to Victor Francisco, vice president for corporate environment and community relations of Philex, the project aims to help the residents in the Philex community and other areas to generate additional income through reforestation.

Rudy Saguid, manager for environment in the Padcal site, revealed that for the past five years, 40 families (surface claimants) were tapped as contractors of family-based reforestation and forest protection projects.

Aside from contractors, 45 local residents are also hired as casuals yearly for seedling propagation or production, maintenance at the nursery and erosion control crew, or tree planters and forest firefighters.

From a modest annual expense of less than P500,000, Philex’s reforestation and forest protection program costs amounted to P4.4 million in 2010 alone.

 To date, 2000 hectares have been successfully reforested with more than seven million seedlings of various tree species which Philex continues to maintain and protect throughout the year.

Meanwhile, the mining company has also undertaken reforestation efforts in Sibutad in Zamboanga del Norte as it continues to implement environmental activities through reforestation maintenance of established plantation, rehabilitation of mine disturbed areas, regular desilting of receiving water bodies in the area, and other environmental protection and enhancement measures.

Philex, in partnership with the Sibutad community, has planted a total of 404,000 seedlings covering an area of more than 138 hectares and has accomplished soil bagging of 8,055 auri coliformis seedlings and planted 6,440 seedlings of various plant and tree species in new and established plantation in the area.

Over the past 30 years, the areas planted in Padcal mine were the watersheds surrounding the mining operations and Philex camp.

Seedlings raised and planted include: Benguet pine, alnus, gmelina, antsoan, dilao, agoho, bottle brush, cypress, guava, citrus, and some ornamental flowers for mine camp beautification.

The community-based approach to reforestation has proven to be successful as the participants and the company work hand in hand in protecting the plantation areas.

Philex has been a regular recipient of various awards and citations for its reforestation program, including Best Mining Forest Contest of Philippine Mine Safety & Environment Association in 2009, Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Platinum Award of the DENR, and Likas Yaman Award also of the DENR.