Tampakan, South Cotabato — At Danlag Elementary School, putting on a program used to mean setting up on bare ground, dragging out borrowed chairs, and hoping the backdrop didn’t fall over. That’s changing now. Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) has turned over construction materials so the school can finally build a proper stage. It’s not a big structure, but it gives the kids an actual place to show off what they can do.
“We are very lucky and grateful to receive this support from Sagittarius Mines, Inc. This will be a big help to our school and our learners. The stage will give us a proper and conducive space for programs, presentations, and other school activities,” said School Head Julius V. Minglana.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to SMI for listening to our needs and for supporting our school and our learners. This assistance will leave a meaningful contribution to our school community and to the children who will benefit from it,” he added.
Danlag is one of SMI’s host communities, and this isn’t the first time they’ve worked together. It’s part of the company’s Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), where SMI backs projects that host and neighboring communities themselves ask for, based on what they actually need.
The materials were handed over on August 18, 2026. Barangay Captain Hon. Judith J. Magbanua and the rest of the Danlag barangay council were there, along with the school’s teachers and staff and a few people from SMI. It was a small turnout, but between the barangay, the school, and the company, everyone who needed to be there was.
Once it’s built, the stage will get used for the usual things, school programs, recognition days, cultural shows, whatever comes up. Just a facility the school can count on having around for a long time.
For SMI, this is basically what working with host communities looks like, someone tells you what they need, and you help make it happen. (30)
