Tampakan, South Cotabato – From once being beneficiaries of educational support to now becoming educators themselves, four former scholars of Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) are giving back to the community by serving as teachers at Danlag Elementary School in Tampakan, South Cotabato.
Angelee C. Tediong, Renalis Amisola – Ingaslo, Judy Ann l. Yatan, and Florence D. Florito are among the many graduates whose educational journey was supported through SMI’s Social Development and Management Program (SDMP).
Their stories reflect how years of investment in education can create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Through the support they received as scholars, they were able to pursue their studies, complete their education, and eventually return to their community, not only as graduates, but as professionals helping shape the next generation.
For Florence D. Florito, becoming a teacher is a meaningful way of giving back to the community that helped her reach her dreams.
“Dakong salamat mi sa SMI kay tungod sa ilang suporta, nakatapos mi sa among pag-eskwela. Karon, isip mga magtutudlo, makahatag na usab mi og serbisyo ug makatabang sa among kaugalingong komunidad.”
Judy Ann l. Yatan also recalled how important the support was throughout her educational journey. Today, she sees the continuing assistance extended to Danlag Elementary School as another reflection of the value of investing in education.
“Dako kaayo ang support nga akong nadawat sauna aron makapadayon ug makagraduate. Karon, makita nako nga ang eskwelahan sa Danlag nakadawat gihapon og suporta. Dako among pasalamat kay ang tabang nga among nadawat kaniadto, makita namo karon nga nagpadayon ug nakaabot sa mas daghang kabataan.”
The four teachers are only a few among the graduates who have benefited from SMI’s education-related initiatives over the years. Their journey demonstrates that the impact of community development programs can continue long after a scholarship is completed.
For SMI, education remains an important part of its commitment to the communities where it operates. Through the SDMP, the company continues to support programs designed to help provide opportunities for students, schools, and community members.
As SMI moves closer to its commercial operations, the company remains committed to responsible mining and to ensuring that development goes hand in hand with meaningful and sustainable benefits for host and neighboring communities.
From scholars to graduates, these four teachers of Danlag Elementary School show how investing in people can create a lasting cycle of opportunity, one that allows community members to learn, grow, and eventually serve the very communities that helped them along the way. (30)
