SMPC hires more Semirara residents

Integrated energy company Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC) has absorbed 281 vocational graduates from Semirara Island, Antique Province in the last three years.

The graduates came from TESDA-registered Semirara Training Center, Inc. (STCI), a non-stock, non-profit corporation that aims to provide local residents with marketable trade skills.3

During the same period, SMPC spent around P20 million to support the vocational training of STCI scholars. This amount covers both their tuition and allowances.

“We are committed to providing our host community with high-value employment. We are now able to absorb more locals into our workforce as a result of our expansion operations in the island,” said SMPC President and COO Victor A. Consunji.

From eight million metric tons of coal, SMPC increased its production output to 12 million metric tons in 2016. This year, the company aims to produce 13 to 14 million metric tons.

SMPC’s expansion is in line with the commissioning and commercial operations of new coal plants during the year and the scheduled capacity expansion of cement plants.

Over 3,500 people work in SMPC’s mining operations, of which approximately 17 percent are skilled workers locally sourced from STCI.

Enrollment is open not only to local residents of Semirara Island, but to residents from nearby islands such as Caluya and Sibay.

Tuition and other school fees for technical materials, tools, and projects are waived for students who are Semirara residents and those from nearby islands. STCI scholars from Mindanao are also provided with accommodation and meals for their entire stay. 

Source: Manila Bulletin