EMPLOYEES of the Philex Mining Corporation were recognized for their service.

Over the weekend, 140 employees of Pacdal Mine Philex Mining Corporation were awarded of a loyal 25 years of service to the company in simple rites at Sitio Padcal, Barangay Camp 3 Tuba, Benguet.

Philex Mining president and chief executive officer Eulalio Austin Jr. said the event had been an annual tradition dedicated to its loyal employees wherein the company plans to pursue for the upcoming years.

Austin said mining remains as an industry that would be challenged by the new regulatory environment.

"I think if you have been doing responsible mining for the regular standards of the government, you could still survive even with this difficult situation. With Philex I always raising the bar on the standards of mining and we'll still be a working progress for us to demonstrate best practices in mining." said Austin.

Awardees were honored January 20 alongside the celebration of the annual fiesta of the 57th Annual Patron Fiesta of the Sto. Niño de Prague Parish.

Kalinga representative and caretaker of Mountain Province Allen Jesse Mangaoang said "Today's parangal will increase morale among employees while growing an environment for teamwork," the lawmaker said.

Mangaoang urged employees to continue to be advocates of responsible mining following national and international laws and best practices.

"I am a believer of the benefits that the mining industry can bring to the company, to the community and to the people, that is, only if mining is done responsibly," said Mangaoang.

Pacdal Mine, one of the largest mining companies employs at least 2,140 employees.