BAGUIO CITY – In line with the celebration of Women’s Month 2025, the Cordillera Minera Forum 2025 focused on the vital role of women in the mining sector in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). The event carried the theme, “Babae sa Sektor ng Pagmimina at Heosyensya, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
The forum gathered stakeholders from the mining industry including Benguet Corp., Philex Mining Corp., Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company, ISRI, government agencies, and advocacy groups to discuss women’s contributions and challenges in the sector. Speakers emphasized the importance of empowering women workers and promoting gender equality in mining. The discussions covered policies and programs aimed at improving working conditions, ensuring health and safety, and increasing opportunities for women in the mining industry.
Engr. Marywil Espinosa of Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company highlighted various programs supporting women in the industry. “We have initiatives such as Zumba fitness sessions, a women’s forum where we discuss women’s rights, and annual breast awareness campaigns led by our medical teams during flag ceremonies,” she shared. These programs aim to promote health and well-being among female employees and provide them with a platform to discuss and address workplace concerns.
Lepanto also provides a 40-minute breastfeeding break for lactating mothers in designated lactation rooms and has established the Lepanto Women’s Employee Support Group to ensure female workers receive proper assistance. This support system helps women balance their careers and personal responsibilities, contributing to a more inclusive and accommodating work environment.
During the forum, industry leaders stressed that women’s participation in mining goes beyond traditional roles. Women are now involved in various technical, managerial, and leadership positions, helping shape policies and innovations in the field. Advocates emphasized the need to break gender stereotypes and provide equal opportunities for women to advance in their careers within the mining sector.
The discussions highlighted the critical role women play in fostering a just and peaceful society while contributing to national progress. Speakers pointed out that gender inclusivity in the workforce leads to more sustainable and responsible mining practices. By promoting diversity and ensuring women’s voices are heard, the mining sector can drive economic growth while upholding social and environmental responsibilities.
Representatives from different mining companies, government offices, and women’s organizations expressed their commitment to further enhancing gender-responsive policies in the industry. They called for stronger implementation of labor laws that protect women’s rights, equal pay, and workplace safety measures tailored to address gender-specific concerns.
The Cordillera Minera Forum 2025 served as a platform to recognize and strengthen the contributions of women in mining, aiming for a more equitable and progressive future in the industry. With continued collaboration among stakeholders, the mining sector in CAR seeks to set an example for gender inclusivity and empowerment in traditionally male-dominated fields. By John Hermarc P. Villanueva
