FNI subsidiary PGMC recognized for Best Waterbody Rehabilitation Program at the Water Summit 2025

(L-R) EMB Caraga Engineer III/AEWBP Focal, Engr. Alice M. Osa, EMB Caraga SvEMS/Chief, AMTSS Mr. Raymond P. Deligero, PGMC MEPEO, Mr. Junel P. Garcia, Concurrent EMB Director and OIC-Assistant Secretary for Environment, Engr. Jacqueline A. Caancan, CESO III, PMGC VP for Security & CSR, Gen. Geary L. Barias (PNP Ret), EMB Caraga Regional Director, Engr. Dennis O. Celestial, MM, PGMC Resident Mine Manager, Engr. Corsino L. Odtojan, PGMC Technical Assistant to the President/Mine Operations & Marketing Services Manager, Engr. Marilou C. Celzo, EMB Assistant Director, Engr. Maria Dorica Naz Hipe, CESO IV, EMB Central Office OIC-Chief, Environmental Quality Management Division, Engr. Marcelino N. Rivera, Jr.

​Platinum Group Metals Corporation (PGMC), the operating arm in Surigao of one of the country’s leading nickel ore producers, Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. (PSE: FNI), has been honored with the Best Adopt-an-Estero/Waterbody Program award at the Water Summit 2025 held on June 27 in Quezon City.

Organized by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Water Summit 2025 brought together key government and private sector stakeholders to showcase innovation and sustainable practices in water quality management and ecosystem rehabilitation. This year’s theme, Community-Led Rehabilitation and Multi-Sector Partnerships: Empowering Communities through the Adopt-an-Estero Program, spotlighted initiatives that empower communities and demonstrate long-term environmental impact.
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PGMC stood out as one of only two mining sites recognized—and the sole nickel mining company to receive this distinction—underscoring its industry leadership in environmental stewardship. The award acknowledged PGMC’s more than a decade-long commitment to rehabilitating and protecting the Kinalablaban River in Claver, Surigao del Norte, under the Adopt-an-Estero/Waterbody Program (AEWBP).

Key rehabilitation efforts included river cleanups, riverbank stabilization through boulder linings, revegetation with over 30,000 hills of indigenous plants and bamboo, waste segregation and recycling initiatives in partnership with the LGU, and regular water quality monitoring. These interventions revived an ecologically healthier river environment that led to a restored river flow, improved water quality, and enhanced vegetation.

Beyond ecological benefits, the initiative provided the local community with a functional river ecosystem, reinforced PGMC’s role in driving environmental care, and highlighted its strong alignment with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and its commitment to responsible mining.

This recognition affirms PGMC’s commitment to go beyond compliance and lead by example in protecting natural resources. FNI is currently exploring the replication of the program in other operational areas as it continues to fulfill its commitment to responsible and sustainable mining practices.

Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. (PSE: FNI) is a holding company whose principal subsidiary is Platinum Group Metals Corporation, the Philippines’ second-largest nickel ore producer with mining assets in Claver, Surigao del Norte, and Brooke’s Point, Palawan. Through its presence across the Philippines and in China, FNI is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to diversify its investment portfolio into value-added nickel processing, cement manufacturing, and port operations and logistics.