BIZ BUZZ: Woggle back on track

After weeks of tension in Nueva Vizcaya, Woggle Corp., an affiliate of FCF Minerals, is back on the ground in Dupax del Norte—this time with a court-issued temporary restraining order (TRO) clearing the way for its mineral exploration work.

The TRO issued on Oct. 18 had authorized the Philippine National Police to remove barricades of antimining groups to allow Woggle to continue mineral exploration operations.

READ: BIZ BUZZ: Meralco expansion to Batangas pushed

Woggle insists that it remains in the exploration stage—“no mining, no extraction”—with general manager Lorne Harvey adding that the mining company’s work is “governed by law, guided by science, and built on respect.”

“We are committed to transparency and to sharing accurate information about our operations,” said Harvey, who denied claims of “misleading” consultations.

That said, Woggle said it would continue to have community dialogues on the belief that its real test now is winning hearts, not just court orders. —Tina Arceo-Dumlao

Pros in pro bono group

Fledgling logistics entrepreneurs are set to gain from the addition of three seasoned figures to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Guild, which provides pro bono assistance to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in logistics.

Over the weekend, the DTI Supply Chain and Logistics Guild announced the addition of three FAST Logistics Group executives: CEO for Logistics Manuel Onrejas Jr., vice president for Strategic Growth Initiatives Gladys Ceniza and ColdChain Business Unit head Marc Anthony Dizon.

Onrejas has been with FAST since 1997 and has climbed the ranks of vice president for operations, vice president, senior vice president, before becoming CEO. He has 20 years of experience in the logistics industry.

Meanwhile, Ceniza, a former executive at Aboitiz Land Inc. and Ayala Land Inc., brings over 30 years of experience to the table. She had also ventured into the entrepreneurial and academic sectors before joining FAST.

Dizon is the brains behind the expansion of FAST’s Intelligent ColdChain Solutions network. He serves as a technical consultant for the Cold Chain Association of the Philippines and the technical lead for the US Department of Agriculture’s Cold Chain Emerging Market Program’s Southeast Asia project.

The DTI is optimistic that the three’s experience will help MSMEs, noting that they are “well-positioned to help MSMEs improve logistics efficiency, strengthen supply chain resilience, and adopt sustainable practices.”

While the Philippines’ logistics industry is booming, in a country of 7,641 islands, all hands must be on deck. —Logan Kal-El M. Zapanta INQ