4 Mining Companies join Baguio City 116th Charter Anniversary with Mini-Mine Tunnel Museum
By: Nonnette C. Bennett, photos by Dave Leprozo, Jr., ISRI, and Nonnette Bennett
BAGUIO CITY – The four gold coins in the Baguio City logo came to life for the first time on the 116th Charter Anniversary when they pooled resources together to set-up a miniature mine tunnel as a museum along Session Road from August 31 to 1 September 2025.
The rains did not stop the line of curious residents who wanted to tour the mini tunnel museum.
Benguet Corporation, Itogon-Suyoc Resources, Inc., Lepanto Mines Corporation, and Philex Mining Corporation collaborated and shared resources to create the museum like tunnel in two weeks, said Rhodora Songayab of Benguet Corporation who served as the group coordinator.
Sharing company expertise, Philex Mines contributed the Audio-Visual Presentation on the television screen with the contribution of the videos and photos of the different companies. “We provided the flat screen TV, too,” Atty. Eduardo Aratas said.
ISRI RM Robert F. Wagtingan receives his certificate of participation and trophy for Best Decorated Booth from Ms. Grail Aligo of the City Tourism Office.
ISRI AVP Corporate Affairs and Communications Ma. Teresa Pacis contributed the sound effects that was used to mimic the underground operations for the mine tunnel experience with her team. The company also provided some of the timber that was used to construct the stopes for the tunnel effect and they were in charge of the reaction tarps at the exit.
Benguet Corp Consultant Midge de Leon, Mayor Benjie Magalong, wife Arlene Magalong, Philex Mines Atty. Eduardo Aratas, Itogon-Suyoc Resources, Inc. Resident Manager Engr. Robert F. Wagtingan, Benguet Gold Resident Manager Engr. Valeriano B. Bongalos, and Benguet Corp consultant Engr. Magellan Bagayao, award a token of stones from the Philex Mining Corporation after his tour in the booth.
Lepanto Mines helped in the tarpaulin that presented the perspective of the tunnel with the small wagon of rocks for a photo op replete with vest and skull guard with headlamp.
Benguet Corporation provided the manpower that assembled the parts of the tunnel with Mr. Ortiz Bugtong as supervisor. Landscaper Zaldy Galliema provided the idea for the frame and design of the interior and exterior of the tunnel.
Each company brought specific old equipment and materials from the mining operation, as well as photographs from their museums at the mine sites to present the communities that were part of their growth.
At the booth, two mining companies served as ushers and guards per day in two shifts. They provided the vests and headlamps and described the different parts of the museum.
It took 10 employees of Benguet Corp to assemble the mini tunnel in five hours and dismantle it in three hours at Session Road.
Mignon de Leon, Benguet Corp Consultant said that this was the first collaboration and bonding of the four companies who enjoyed doing the project for the first time. The contributions of the four groups allowed more than 2,000 visitors the experience in the mini mines tunnel for two days.
