Suportang Walang Sawa: Malungon lauds SMI for meaningful impacts in their lives
Tampakan, South Cotabato - Celebrating 15 years of strong partnership, the municipal government of Malungon in Sarangani province recognized the substantial contribution and positive impacts of Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) in the social and economic development of the municipality.
During the town's 55th Foundation Anniversary, Municipal Mayor Atty. Maria Theresa D. Constantino said that SMI has been instrumental in uplifting the lives of her community through its sustainable livelihood programs, humanitarian projects, various environmental protection activities, and capacity-building programs, especially for the Blaan Indigenous Cultural Communities in the area.
"Palakpakan natin ang Sagittarius Mines, Inc.! Sa lahat ng miyembro ng SMI family, sa walang tigil at sawang pagsuporta ninyo sa mga inisyatibo ng Malungon government, lalo na sa health and nutrition programs, maraming, maraming salamat po!," Constantino said during the SMI-MLGU Malungon Partnership Day celebration last July 13, 2024.
Malungon is a host municipality within the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project. From 1997 to 2023, SMI has already provided Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) funds of around PhP17 million to the municipality for its development programs and initiatives. For 2024 alone, the mining firm has allocated a total of PhP2.9 million for various social, health, and environmental protection initiatives for the host municipality.
"Ang lahat ng inisyatibo ng Malungon, hindi magiging matagumpay kung wala ang ating partner. Alam natin na ang gobyerno, limitado lang ang pondo. Kahit anong plano ang ating gagawin para sa mga malalaking programa, hindi natin ito kakayanin dahil kulang ang pondo, kaya maraming salamat sa SMI at sa ating mga partners," the local chief executive added.
Even though the Tampakan Project has not yet started, SMI has invested more than PhP1.5 billion in financing various development projects and activities to advance the socio–economic, health and educational conditions of its hosts and neighboring communities.
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)
2024-07-20
