Mining advocates asks youths to take mining courses

MINING advocates called on the youth to take up courses that could land them jobs in the mining industry after observing wrong choices often lead to job mismatches and even unemployment in the country.

Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) president Louie Sarmiento said employment in the mining industry is flourishing here and abroad.

A graduate of mining engineering, for example, may earn P30,000 to P35,000 monthly upon graduation, while other mining-related jobs such as safety engineers and geologists are also in demand.

However, Sarmiento lamented only a few take up courses like mining engineering and geology as it is often set aside for more popular courses like hotel restaurant management and tourism and computer-related courses.

Moreover, only a few colleges and universities in the country offer mining courses.

Click to support us by liking our facebook page

To help encourage students to pursue careers in the mining industry, Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Director Orlando Pineda revealed they have spearheaded lectures as well as mining industry exhibits in their regional office, which students may utilize for research and other educational needs.

Sarmiento added many mining companies offer scholarships to deserving students who wish to pursue courses related to the mining industry.

Majority of these scholars end up being hired by the mining firm, which sponsored their education, he said. Many family members of miners have availed themselves of these scholarships, as they have already seen long-term livelihood in mining, he added.

Meanwhile, more than a hundred participants, as part of the kick-off activity of the 58th Mines Safety and Environment Conference, joined in planting 300 endemic and indigenous plants and trees inside the Baguio Botanical Garden.

Sarmiento stressed the activity, which involves planting 200 Benguet pine seedlings and 100 flowering Alstonia Scholaris tree, is part of giving back to the environment the abundant resources it has given them through the years.

As part of their memorandum of agreement with the city, the PMSEA is poised to implement the Urban Tree Management plan in the 1,000-square-meter park given them by the city through the adopt-a-park program.

The PMSEA partnered with Arch. George Mendoza of the Forest Treasures Plants and Landscapes in developing the park by building landscapes, a dap-ay and walkways for tourists and visitors to commune with nature. (PIA/by JM Agreda)




Back to Home Page