OceanaGold provides financial aid to Vizcaya residents

MANILA, Philippines - OceanaGold (Philippines), Inc. is sponsoring community health programs in the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino by providing financial and medical assistance to the residents especially those in the remote areas, according to an official of the mining firm.

The programs are being held in partnership with the rural health units of Kasibu and Cabarroguis, barangay and local government officials and community volunteers.

OceanaGold’s recent medical missions were held between May and September this year, the most recent of which was in the town of Alfonso Castaneda, Nueva Vizcaya, jointly sponsored by Rep. Carlos Padilla and local barangay officials. Over 1,500 residents from the six communities were given medical check-ups, free medicine and reading glasses.

OceanaGold is currently developing the Didipio gold-copper project in the Nueva Vizcaya-Quirino provinces.

Ramoncito Gozar, OceanaGold vice president for communications and external affairs, said “access to medical care is one of the core needs of the people of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino provinces particularly those in remote areas.”

OceanaGold, he said, “is proud to work with our local partners to bring free medicine to the people, and to be involved on many other programs especially in the areas of health and medicine, clean water, education, reforestation and environment and infrastructure.