Tampakan, South Cotabato — As prices of fuel and basic goods continue to go up in the Philippines, many families in the hinterlands are finding it harder to make ends meet. To help ease this burden, Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) has expanded its cash and food for work program in several upland communities in South Cotabato.
The program is now being implemented in Barangay Miasong in Tupi, and in six sitios of Barangay Tablu in Tampakan: Sitio Datal Tabon, Sitio Salway, Sitio Akbang, Sitio Tukaymal, Sitio Datal Mangisi, and Sitio Logdeck. These upland communities are far from town centers and have fewer job opportunities, so they are among the most affected by the rising cost of living.
So far, about 100 residents have joined the program. They help clear and maintain roads leading to SMI project areas and facilities. This work not only gives them short term income, it also helps keep roads passable and safer for everyone in the community.
Each participant receives cash and basic food items per day. This support helps families buy what they need and put food on the table while also giving them temporary work.
The program comes at an important time, as higher fuel prices have pushed up transportation fares and the prices of many basic goods and services. For families in rural and upland areas, who already have limited income, these increases make daily life even more difficult.
By giving both work and food assistance, SMI’s program helps lessen the impact of these problems and provides immediate, practical help. It also encourages people to work together, since the beneficiaries are directly improving roads and other facilities that the whole community uses.
One of the beneficiaries, Jonathan Maguway from Barangay Tablu, shared: “Malaking tulong ito para sa amin dahil mahirap lang ang buhay dito sa bukid. Masaya kami na may trabaho kami na bigay ng SMI.” His words reflect how much the program means to many participants who depend on seasonal or irregular work.
Beyond offering short term relief, the cash and food for work program shows SMI’s continued commitment to helping its host and neighboring communities in a responsible way. The company continues to look for ways to support local residents, especially during times of economic uncertainty.
As the country faces these economic challenges, programs like this play an important role in helping vulnerable communities, strengthening their ability to cope, and building stronger partnerships between companies and local residents.
Through ongoing efforts and inclusive programs, Sagittarius Mines, Inc. aims to be not only a development partner, but also a caring and proactive supporter of community welfare, making sure no community is left behind in difficult times. (30)
