By Michelle Ducut
Two mining companies operating in Aroroy, Masbate, have reached a significant milestone of six years, or 2,192 days, without a lost time injury (LTI) as of November 2024.
Filminera Resources Corporation (FRC) and Phil. Gold Processing and Refining Corp. (Phil. Gold), which jointly manage the Masbate Gold Project, achieved this feat through robust safety policies and collaborative efforts to protect their workforce of over 2,051 individuals, according to FRC spokesperson Marionne Ruiz.
“Both companies have implemented comprehensive safety measures to ensure employees return home safely after every shift,” Ruiz said, highlighting their strong adherence to a “zero harm” policy, which emphasizes injury prevention and safety awareness among employees and contractors.
The companies’ safety practices include advanced training for emergency response teams, such as hazardous materials management, vehicle extrication, rope rescue, and firefighting. Regular health monitoring, including annual physical exams and vaccinations, is also part of their occupational health programs. Additional measures, such as respirable dust monitoring and zero-tolerance policies for alcohol and drugs, have further contributed to the milestone.
Phil. Gold president Ryan Rusk attributed the achievement to a collaborative safety culture that extends beyond the workplace, influencing families and communities. “Workers and contractors have embraced safety consciousness, spreading this awareness to their families and neighbors,” Rusk said.
Filminera president Cris Acosta emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating, “Maintaining our safety record requires a collective commitment to continuous improvement. This milestone is fragile and must be upheld through sustained efforts.”
The companies have been recognized for their safety and environmental practices. Phil. Gold received the national silver award in the 13th Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan in 2022, while Filminera earned the Platinum prize in the Philippine Mineral Industry Excellence Award the same year. Recently, Filminera was also recognized as a top-performing employer by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation in the Bicol region.