Mining firm distributes 100,000 high-value seedlings
Published Mar 11, 2026 05:59 pm
DAVAO CITY – Hallmark Mining Co. (HMC) has distributed at least 100,000 high-value seedlings to partner people’s organizations in the City of Mati and Tarragona, Davao Oriental.
HMC said the distribution of seedlings is part of their Special Tree Cutting Permit (STCEP) Replacement Planting Initiative.
The turnover was in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to ensure that the seedlings are deployed to priority areas for reforestation sites.
Among the priority areas are Barangay Taguibo in the City of Mati and Barangay Limot in Tarragona. These barangays received 30,000 and 20,000 seedlings, respectively.
HMC emphasized that the seedlings will act as a critical shield against soil erosion and flash floods during typhoon season.
The mining company also distributed high-value crop seedlings to farmers such as durian and cacao. These
are part of HMC’s livelihood assistance to partner-communities.“For HMC, complying with government efforts in combating environmental degradation is more than a regulatory requirement. It is a natural extension of the company’s core adherence to sustainable mining and community-led reforestation,” the mining firm said.
HMC assured that their mining methods have minimal impact to the environment as minerals are extracted by strategic patches.
Unlike traditional large-scale clearing, the firm said this practice ensures minimal disruption to forests.
“Patch mining keeps the surrounding areas intact while providing the ecosystem with sufficient recovery time. While nature heals, the company continues to move forward with its sustainable practices.”
HMC holds a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) covering 5,000 hectares in Gov. Generoso, San Isidro, and City of Mati.
Their nickel mining operation sits on the foothills outside the protected area of Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary.
Butch Sebua, HMC environmental manager, assured that the value that the government is giving to the environment differentiates them from other mining corporations.
“Here, we recognize that we are merely borrowing from nature. That’s why as much as we can, and with the help of the local government, we do our best to give back by ensuring sustainable mining practices,” Sebua said.
Through environmental and community initiatives, the mining company assured that they will demonstrate that mining can be achieved without compromising indigenous rights and with strict adherence to government regulations.