Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya—A mine executive here has praised Filipino workers, saying they are very good in what they do despite their training.
Ian Moller, FCF Minerals Corp.’s acting manager for operations of the Runruno project in Quezon town said he respects the work ethics of Filipino workers in their mine site.
“I have worked with them in many countries within my 25 years of experience and I respect their work ethics,” he said.
FCF Minerals manages the gold-molybdenum project in barangay Didipio in Quezon town.
Moller cited their Filipino workers in barangay Runruno with sophisticated facilities as good workers despite small or no industrial experience.
However, he said they need to be trained by the company, which spends a lot of time to continue their programs for the workers’ improvement and welfare.
“The people who complain about the problem on Filipinos are the problem and not the Filipinos. I do not tolerate these comments because Filipinos live up to our work expectations,” Moller said.
The mining executive also advised other employers to further understand the working chain and dynamics of Filipinos as an important aspect of management.
At present, FCF Minerals has more than 1,100 workers on site, mostly from Nueva Vizcaya and other provinces with 10 to 15 expatriate workers.
“I let them work the way it is and I keep track on their performance through our management and contractors,” Moller said.
With the movement of the Runruno project from start up to a steady state, he said the skills and attributes of the management chain has also changed.
Moller added they need workers who are patient, good at mentoring and coaching among others to build up performance efficiency.
He said the company spends about a million pesos a week to manage their workforce as the project is ready to take off and will be contributing more to the country’s economy.
“I am grateful to the shareholders. They have been patient in providing additional funds last year. I am happy in representing the company and talk to whoever wishes to engage with me,” Moller added.