Didipio Project Touching Lives: Health and Safety, Oceanagold's Primary Concern

In line with OceanaGold’s commitment of ensuring importance to the health and safety of its employees, contractors and communities where it operates, the Health and Safety Department of the Didipio Project headed by Health and Safety Manager, Albert Eacott together with Clinic Staff, Mary Bajita has been conducting series of health and safety activities.

A Blood Smear Collection was conducted by the Municipal Health Office in the Didipio Project. The activity aims to prevent and control malaria disease (one of the most common infectious diseases) in the community. Test results have shown that all 320 employees were negative for malaria. Bed nets were also distributed to employees.

Another activity administered was the painting of the community clinic participated in by the Community Relations and Health and Safety departments. Such activity will create a healthy and cozy atmosphere for the clinic.

The department was also engaged in provision of medical and emergency assistance to locals. Recently, it provided a vehicle to a local of Didipio who gave birth to a baby boy. In another instance, OceanaGold’s medical team assisted in bringing to the hospital a local who accidentally got buried in a tunnel.

Meanwhile, training and development plays a key role in the health and safety aspect of the Project. Since it is the most important way to ensure that workforce and the community shares the Company’s health and safety commitment and that they are well-equipped with knowledge and skills, a basic first-aid training was proposed. Through this, people will know how to give basic first-aid to patients and will learn how to handle emergency cases with care.The Health and Safety Department coordinates with the Red Cross in the said activity.

OceanaGold will continue to perform community activities that will help in fostering the health and safety of the community.