Rapu-Rapu wins ‘green’ award

The Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) announced that one of its member-companies, Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project (RRPP), recently received the Mother Nature Award from the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines Inc. (PCAPI).

PMSEA president Louie Sarmiento, in a statement, said the award was given to RRPP “in recognition of its outstanding initiative and steadfast implementation of an effective environmental management system, with excellent pollution control and environmental care in its area of operation.”

“We have an environmental management system and an environmental management plan that are more than mere satisfactory. Our EMS has consistently passed the periodic ISO 14001:2004 surveillance audit with flying colors since we were first certified in 2008,” said Carmelita Pacis, environmental manager and assistant vice president of RRPP.

Nominees for the PCAPI Mother Nature Award should meet the following criteria: no pending violation of environmental permits and laws and absence of legitimate pollution complaints from stakeholders; implementation of effective EMS and EMP; ISO 14001 certification (an advantage); environmental protection and conservation initiatives that go beyond compliance with laws; cooperation with LGUs and government agencies in the pursuit of environmental protection; actual utilization of budget for environmental protection; and achievements or awards garnered.

PMSEA said RRPP joined the ranks of previous Mother Nature Awardees including Nestle Philippines (1998), Analog Devices (2007), and Transco (2008).