SMI extends aid to families affected by El Niņo in three host provinces
Tampakan, South Cotabato - Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) has extended assistance to families affected by El Niño in its host provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur.
SMI External Affairs and Communications Manager, Mr. Roy Antonio, led another set of relief missions on May 22-23, 2024, to deliver PhP 750,000-worth of various disaster relief items to include 1,810 bags of rice in 5-kilo packs; 11,250 cans of corned beef, sardines, and meatloaf; and 3,750 packs of instant noodles. SMI had recently provided relief assistance to families affected by landslides in Maco, Davao de Oro and in Tubod, Surigao del Norte.
"We again mobilized our limited resources to support our host provinces and stakeholders, this time in addressing the adverse impacts of El Niño among the communities. It is our way of showing our commitment to care for their welfare as our partners in the development of the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project,” said Mr. Antonio.
South Cotabato Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Rolly Doane Aquino, who received the relief goods in their PDRRMO compound in Surallah on behalf of the provincial government, expressed his gratitude to the mining company.
"Madamo gid nga salamat, Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI), for your quick response to extend additional relief assistance. This aid aims to reach more beneficiaries, especially those families affected by the El Niño phenomenon in South Cotabato,” Aquino said.
Meanwhile, Sultan Kudarat Provincial Administrator Jimmy Andang also cited SMI for helping provide for the needs of El Niño-affected farmers in the province.
"Thank you so much, Sagittarius Mines, Incorporated!," the official said during the simple turnover in the provincial capitol in Isulan.
In Davao del Sur, officials and members of the Mal River Irrigation System (RIS) Federation of Irrigators Association also received the relief items in their facility in Matanao.
"Daghang salamat sa inyuha, SMI. Dako kaayo kining tabang para sa kanamong mga mag-uuma nga perteng apektado niining El Niño," said Mr. Rogelio M. Lagamayo, president of the farmers-irrigators association.
With all major approvals and permits from the national government secured, SMI is ready to start construction this year and produce its first copper concentrate in mid-2027. (30)
2024-05-27
