Tampakan, South Cotabato – Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI), in partnership with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region XII and the Soccsksargen Responsible Miners Association (SRMA), officially launched its “School Tour 2025 – a Campaign on Responsible Mining for Students in Tampakan, South Cotabato”.
The initiative, held last August 26-27, 2025, reached senior high school students from Grades 11 and 12 of Maltana National High School and Lampitak National High School, providing them with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of responsible mining and its contribution to community development.
The sessions tackled key topics such as Gender and Development, Minerals 101, Responsible Mining Practices, and Mining Myths and Facts. The discussions highlighted how responsible mining can balance resource use with environmental care and social responsibility, giving students a clearer perspective on its role in sustainable development.
Many students shared that the activity gave them fresh insights into the importance of mining and the opportunity to share their own perspectives on how mining impacts their daily lives and their communities, while teachers commended the initiative for strengthening classroom lessons with practical, real-world knowledge.
Ms. Jennifer Suba, the Academic Chair and OIC Senior High School Principal of Maltana National High School, highlighted how the school tour strengthened both education and awareness on pressing social and environmental issues in the Municipality of Tampakan.
On the other hand, Ms. Jovelyn Sebua, OIC Principal of Lampitak National High School underscored that initiatives like this encourage critical thinking and responsible citizenship among students.
By bringing the conversation on responsible mining to the youth, SMI reinforces its dedication to education, fostering understanding and awareness among future generations. SMI’s involvement highlights its ongoing commitment to sustainability, ensuring mining practices respect environmental and social responsibilities. Through this campaign, SMI strengthens community progress by building trust and collaboration with host and neighboring communities around the Tampakan Project. (30)
