ITOGON, Benguet – One of Apex Mining’s pillars for operational excellence is sustaining good relations with indigenous peoples in ancestral domains where they operate their mine sites.
The mine sites operated in Benguet by its subsidiary, Itogon-Suyoc Resources, Inc. the Sangilo and Suyoc Mines, are staffed mostly by Kankanaey, Ibaloy, Kalanguya and Kalinga descents, and overall, indigenous peoples make up make up approximately 79 percent of ISRI’s total work force in both its mine sites.
ISRI held a day-long celebration on 14 Oct at its Sangilo Mine Site to mark Indigenous Peoples’ Month. Aside from fun and games (sack race, arm wrestling), rituals also figured prominently in the festivities. A prayer (madmad) preceded the eating of the watwat and the different ethno-linguistic groups also presented their dances.
A highlight of the event was a showdown of sorts among the indigenous peoples on their respective unique ways of butchering a pig for the canao. ISRI also set up booths where the products of their host indigenous communities were sold, like fruit wines, fresh produce, colorful bags and pouches, beaded accessories and the like.
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) led the celebration of the 2022 Indigenous Peoples Month and 25th Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) commemoration.
Photo credit: Leila Summer W. Padilla, Cadet Mine Engineer and of Kankan-ey descent

merry-making at ISRI’s Sangilo Mine Site.


