BUTUAN CITY - A mining company in Caraga region on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to continue its program on all-out climate change and global warming mitigation despite a reduced production guidance.

In a statement released on Thursday, Feb. 23, this mining company in Agusan del Sur has also re-affirmed its pledge to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to continue with all their environment preservation and protection aimed at environmental enhancement and also to widen their contribution to the mitigation of the climate change and global warming.

The top management of Philsaga Mining Corporation (PMC) based in Bayugan lll, Rosario, Agusan del Sur also committed not to reduce its Corporate Social Responsibility spending despite a decline in revenues.

Contribution to the mitigation of climate change, reforestation, cleaning of rivers, creeks and waterways, support to the 13 elementary schools and 6,500 students, 40 scholars, etc., among other things, must not be sacrificed,  said PMC President Atty. Raul C. Villanueva in an interview with The Manila Bulletin on Thursday.

“Aside from extending livelihood and employment to our communities, we believe that everyone must share in the responsibility of caring for the environment and mitigate climate change,” the company’s top official stressed.

The company president declared these despite a possible reduction of its precious metal production from 84,000-89,000 ounces to 74,000-78,000 ounces owing to upcoming change of major equipment and remedial activities to ensure better operations moving forward.

Meanwhile, DENR 13 Regional Executive Director (RED) Nonito M. Tamayo was happy with the re-affirmation made by the top management of the company for the protection of the environment.

“The full support of the company is a big plus factor in our environment preservation and protection while also continuously extending assistance to communities, especially to the highland people,” the region’s top DENR official said.

With this, RED Tamayo also expressed his willingness to be of aid to PMC should the company need his help in relation to other environmental programs of the government.

He commented that with the excellent track record of PMC through all these years on environmental protection and preservation, RED Tamayo assured to be ready and will always be ready and willing to extend his hand to help.

The company has been noted for continuing the tree planting program for the past several years. The company is targeting more than 8,000 tree seeds to plant this year.

“Yes, our tree planting program is continuing without let-up,” said PMC Vice-President Engr. Ferdinand A. Cortes.

The company already planted more than 1,254,334 tree seedlings of various tree species, including fruit trees and giant bamboos in their 2,081.27 hectares tree plantation in Agusan del Sur province and neighboring areas.