Building A Stronger Future through Today’s Leaders of ASGM

BONTOC, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE – As part of its mission to uplift the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector, the Artisanal Gold Council (AGC), through the planetGOLD Philippines project and in partnership with the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC), organized a leadership and organizational management training for twenty (20) leaders of the Northern Sagada Barangay Small-Scale Mining Association, Inc. (NSBSSMAI). 

The training was held on 23-24 October 2023 with the goal of enhancing the leadership skills of the participants, fostering better working relationships among the association officers, and deepening their understanding of organizational management. It is the first of a series of training sessions for the NSBSSMAI, the partner mining association of the planetGOLD Philippines project in Sagada, Mountain Province. The series of capacity development activities is the product of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between AGC and MPSPC to provide technical training and support for the officers and members of NSBSSMAI.

MPSPC Director for Extension Dr. Joy Fraine M. Ngodcho officially opened the program with a message emphasizing how the capacity development series is part of their school’s commitment to developing the knowledge and skills of communities in the province. “Today’s activity is part of MPSPC’s commitment to provide a powerful tool for education and skills development that boost the attainment of decent work and economic growth, poverty alleviation, partnership building, promotion of peace and justice, strong institutions, and reducing inequalities under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.”

Dr. Ngodcho was followed by Mr. Rey Tawaran, representative of the Sagada Mayor’s Office, who expressed the Local Government Unit’s (LGU) support for the planetGOLD Philippines project initiatives benefiting the small-scale miners in the province. “The LGU of Sagada recognizes and supports planetGOLD Philippines in its efforts towards a more responsible ASGM sector in Sagada.”

The MPSPC Vice President for Administration and Finance Mr. Dexter C. Lingbanan then gave a short message highlighting the role of leaders in organizations. “Leaders are representatives, while co-workers are the backbone to every presentation. However, without proper management and organization of procedures and processes, there is no great progress and outcome. Thus, if you want to lead a team, then prove to become an epitome so that your companions will see and follow. Remember that your leadership reflects the output of every project that you make.”

The leadership training commenced with a series of lectures from Lydia L. Budod, faculty member of the Liberal Arts Department, and Dr. Rogelio K. Balcita, faculty member of the Schools of Advanced Education of MPSPC. Their discussions covered various aspects of leadership and organizational management, such as the fundamentals of leadership administration and management, focusing on effective decision-making and conflict resolution. The leaders of NBSSMAI were given the opportunity to ask the experts regarding specific conflicts and realities pertaining to their organization.

Recognizing the ability to foster strong working relationships among team members as a hallmark of effective leadership, the second day of the training incorporated team-building activities designed by Dr. Rexton F. Chakas, faculty member of the Liberal Arts Department of MPSPC, to improve collaboration and cooperation among NSBSSMAI officers and members. Participants engaged in trust-building activities and learned how to conduct a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats)  analysis for their organization. These activities aided the officers of NBSSMAI in ensuring the sustainability of the organization and its operations.

Effective leadership begins with the understanding of oneself. Recognizing this, the training included a spiritual session led by Father Marcial Lloyd C. Castañeda, Vicar General of Teng-Ab Pastoral Complex, allowing NSBSSMAI to reflect on their personal values, motivations, and relationships within the organization. The training encouraged leaders to recognize their unique strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to become more authentic and self-aware leaders. By empowering the leaders to understand themselves better, they would possess greater ability to inspire and guide their team.

NSBSSMAI is currently composed of 264 members who operate and manage the 10-hectare Minahang Bayan (People’s Mine Site) in Brgy. Fidelisan, Sagada,  where AGC is currently installing a common facility for gravity concentration processing. The Project involves capacity development initiatives to ensure that NSBSSMAI members are equipped with the skills and resources to maintain their legal operations as an organization.

^{The planetGOLD Philippines Project is funded by the Global Environment Facility, implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and executed by the Artisanal Gold Council.}

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