Tampakan, South Cotabato – As water emerges as one of the key areas of concern for the mining industry and an increasingly critical resource for surrounding communities, Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) reaffirmed its commitment to responsible water stewardship and environmental protection by spearheading the annual river clean-up activity under its Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement (MEPE) Program in Barangay Pulabato, Tampakan, South Cotabato.
The Adopt-a-River program represents a collaborative effort between the DENR-EMB and Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) to help ensure the long-term health of local waterways. Recognizing the ongoing need to protect rivers, creeks, and streams, SMI supports the program by carrying out regular water quality monitoring and community-centered environmental initiatives along the Altayan River in Tampakan.
As part of its commitment, SMI conducts monthly water quality sampling along different stretches of the river. These activities provide consistent data that help assess the river’s condition over time. The company also organizes an annual Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign, empowering communities with knowledge on water resource management and proper solid waste disposal.
In partnership with barangay officials and local residents, SMI further strengthens community stewardship by leading a river clean-up once a year along the 4-kilometer section of the Altayan River. This shared effort not only removes waste but also cultivates a sense of responsibility among river-dependent communities.
Held on November 14, 2025, the clean-up covered the Pulabato River and nearby communities, bringing together volunteers from the local community, the Barangay Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pulabato, and representatives from SMI. The activity covered portions of the Pulabato River and nearby areas, reflecting the shared call to maintain clean waterways and preserve natural resources.
Water is essential to mining, from mineral processing to dust control and its responsible use is now a cornerstone of sustainable mining. As the Philippines emerges as a key supplier of transition metals for the green economy, mining companies must comply with stricter standards, including DENR Administrative Order 2015-07 and ISO 14001:2015, to ensure environmental protection and regulatory compliance.
SMI’s river clean-up in Pulabato aligns with these broader environmental standards, demonstrating the company’s continuing efforts to exceed regulatory expectations and advance sustainable practices at the community level ensuring that environmental preservation remains a top priority, implementing programs focused on biodiversity protection, waste reduction, watershed care, and community empowerment.
During the activity, participants worked together to remove waste along the riverbanks, restore natural water flow, and improve overall cleanliness. Beyond clearing debris, the initiative strengthened community awareness on the importance of protecting waterways which is an essential element of both environmental management and public health.
Barangay Pulabato Kagawad Josephine Pacquiao expressed deep appreciation for SMI’s commitment.
“We are thankful to SMI for consistently supporting our clean-up activities and for being a reliable partner in keeping our river safe and clean. This yearly activity reminds us that caring for our environment is a shared responsibility, and we deeply appreciate the sustained collaboration with SMI.”
These initiatives mirror the successful environmental efforts of leading Philippine mining operations under Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Program, which aims to ensure that mining contributes not just to economic development but to the long-term health of ecosystems and communities. (30)
