Escobillo, other host Tampakan Punong Barangays to 'level up' relations with SMI
Tampakan, South Cotabato – Punong Barangay Neil Ryan Escobillo of Barangay Pula Bato, Tampakan and current Federation President of the Liga ng mga Barangay - South Cotabato Chapter, is looking forward to renewed good relations with Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) and expressed his full support for the development of the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project.
Escobillo also described the recent signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the comprehensive five-year implementation of Project's Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) as a "good start" for the Project and the residents of its host and neighboring communities.
SMI’s SDMP is aimed towards the sustained improvement in the living standards of its 10 host and 12 neighboring communities “by creating responsible, self-reliant and resource-based communities capable of developing, implementing and managing community development programs, projects, and activities in a manner consistent with the principle of people empowerment.”
The brother of Tampakan Mayor Leonard Escobillo also recognized SMI's noble intention of helping their communities.
"So hopefully, ito na ang good start. Hindi na ito mapipigilan pa. Kasi itong proyekto na ito ay national project, approved by the Office of the President. Ang sa atin, titingnan lang natin kung ano ang makakabuti sa ating barangay. Nandiyan sila para tumulong sa atin," Punong Barangay Escobillo said.
The official also called on other barangay officials to support the Tampakan Project and allow SMI unrestricted access for the accomplishments of its programs and activities.
"Hopefully, this will be a good start sa barangay at sa kompaniya. Iyan talaga ang aking hinihiling na sana ang ating relasyon sa kompaniya, since tayo ang host barangay, maibalik sa magandang relasyon... Hinihingi ko lang ang magandang komunikasyon, para maiwasan na ang mga stoppages, roadblocks. Kung mapapag-usapan natin, mas mabuti. Level up na tayo. Kung may mga concerns, ipaparating natin sa kanila para mapag-usapan," Escobillo added.
Other than Escobillo, Punong Barangay Judith Magbanua of Barangay Danlag and Punong Barangay Gloria Magbanua of Barangay Tablu also expressed their support to the Project.
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)
2024-03-12
