The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. XIII attended the inauguration and ceremonial turnover of the Family Life and Livelihood Training Center on September 21, 2021 in General Luna, Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte.

The facility underscores the importance of education, spirituality and values.  It aims to promote activities such as, but not limited to, the conduct of family development sessions, values formation, youth and child development activities, early childcare and nutrition programs, skills training and livelihood programs and social protection and social services.

The realization of the said project was a collaborative effort of the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, through the efforts of the former Governor and present Provincial Administrator Sol F. Matugas; the Diocese of Surigao that provided the area for the establishment of the facility by way of usufructuary rights; and the Surigao del Norte Mining and Mineral Processing Companies, namely Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation, Taganito Mining Corporation and Hinatuan Mining Corporation, for the financial assistance through their Social Development and Management Program Funds.    

Bishop Antonieto D. Cabajog of the Diocese of Surigao; Surigao del Norte District I Representative Francisco Jose F. Matugas II; Surigao del Norte Provincial Governor Francisco T. Matugas; former Provincial Governor and present Provincial Administrator Sol F. Matugas; Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members and Provincial Officials; General Luna Mayor Cecilia L. Rusillon and Sangguniang Bayan Members; Nickel Asia Corporation President and CEO Martin Antonio G. Zamora; and THPAL President Masahiro Kamiya took part in the event.  On the same note, OIC-Regional Director Larry M. Heradez and Engr. Francis Glenn N. Suante represented the MGB Regional Office No. XIII in the said event.

It is hoped that the Family Life and Livelihood Training Center will stand as a symbol of hope and resilience for all Surigaonons in this time of pandemic and beyond.

By: Engr. Francis Glenn N. Suante
Officer-in-Charge
Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division