Tampakan, South Cotabato — Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) continues to champion community awareness on responsible mining through an informative and immersive session for the Mutya ng Pulabato 2025 candidates in Tampakan, South Cotabato. This initiative was part of the 38th Founding Anniversary and 2nd Karyada Festival of Barangay Pulabato, held on October 18, 2025, at the SMI Liberty Core Farm.
The event featured an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) session alongside a guided tour tailored to broaden the candidates’ knowledge of responsible mining and its vital link to daily life, environmental stewardship, and local development.
The candidates, all junior high school students, engaged actively in discussions that covered the role of mining in everyday products, SMI’s commitment as a fully compliant company, and the company’s community and environmental programs.
The beauty contestants expressed profound appreciation for the learning experience.
“Before this, I never realized how mining affects so many parts of our daily lives. Now I understand that responsible mining can truly help our community without harming our environment,” Princess Garcia, a young candidate representing Sitio Campo Kilot said.
“This visit changed my perspective — mining isn’t just about digging; it’s about protecting nature and helping people,” Ms. Nathanlie Santinitigan from Purok Duranta also said.
Meantime, Jhemer John Gulay, SK Chairman of Pulabato and event organizer, also expressed his gratitude to SMI.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa SMI sa pagkakataong ito na nabigyan ng kaalaman ang aming mga young candidates. Sila ay mga junior high school students pa lamang, pero sa tulong ng ganitong activity, natutunan nila ang kahalagahan ng responsible mining at kung paano ito nakakatulong sa komunidad.” (“We thank SMI for this opportunity to educate our young candidates. Although they are just junior high school students, activities like this teach them the importance of responsible mining and its benefits to the community.”
This impactful activity left a lasting impression on the candidates, underscoring that mining, when practiced responsibly, can harmonize environmental care with sustainable development. Through these efforts, Sagittarius Mines, Inc. reaffirms its dedication to education, transparency, and empowering youth, inspiring the next generation to value sustainable and responsible mining practices.
