by Rommel Vidal
Saint Louis University’s (SLU) Chemical & Mining Engineering Department welcomed guests from Oceanagold Philippines Inc. (OGPI), Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (CBNC) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau as they gathered in Sirib Center at the Otto Hahn Building, last 14 November 2023 for the signing of the memorandum of agreement and conferring of grants ceremony.
Opening the ceremony, Engr. Caroline Bautista Moncada, SEA’s Associate Dean, shared words of gratitude and hopes that through this partnership, the mining industry will have a future filled with shared achievements and opportunities.
In line with this, Engr. Melissa May Boado, ChE EM Department Head, mentioned that this partnership will help the SLU-Engineering Mining program to continue being the top producer of Mining Engineers in North Luzon.
CBNC Representative Ms. Maan O. Baribar also expressed her joy with words of motivation for the participants, “May this be a learning for us Filipinos that we have so much resources, natural resources, we need to develop to improve the mining industry not just exporting but to process our raw minerals to something more valuable.”
Atty. Joan Catiling from OGPI shared how Louisian engineers dominate the mining industry, while looking forward to this continued partnership “SLU gives the industry students and professionals that have been trained, and that comes to us skilled and very confident.”
In addition, Engr. Mario A. Ancheta, Regional Director of MGB Region 2, proudly introduced all the engineers who are products of SLU, working for the MGB Region 2 and in OGPI, once again proving the competence of Louisian Engineers in their chosen fields.
Wrapping up the ceremony, Dr. Joselito Gutierez the Executive Secretary to the President delivered the message of acceptance, recognizing the homecoming of Louisian engineers as they give back to the alma mater. He acknowledged the complementary programs of the mining industry such as the Development of Mining Technology and Geosciences and Social Development and Management Programs and expressed gratitude for choosing SLU as their recipient.
Finally, the signing of the memorandum of agreement commenced along with the recognition of grantees and beneficiaries. This partnership aims to forge a path toward mutual growth, and groundbreaking research and careers in the Mining Industry.
