Tampakan, South Cotabato – Jinky D. Puli, a proud Blaan woman from Datal Mangisi, Tampakan, serves as a dedicated administrative staff member assigned by Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI). For over five years, she has been part of the SMI workforce—a journey she gratefully describes as both a blessing and a testament to SMI’s unwavering support and her own perseverance.
Her story is a powerful example of how faith and hard work can transform lives, inspiring the entire community of Tampakan.
“Mahirap ang buhay namin. Maalala ko noon, madaming beses kumakain kami ng Karlang at lugaw para maka-survive lang,” she recalled. Despite these hardships, Jinky never gave up.
From a young age, she knew that education was the key to lifting herself and her family out of poverty. She expresses deep gratitude to SMI for making this possible through their scholarship program.
“Pasalamat ako ng lubos dahil naging scholar ako ng SMI mula high school hanggang sa nakatapos ako. Hindi po ito magiging totoo kung wala ang suporta ng kumpanya,” she said with heartfelt thanks.
Jinky’s experience highlights the power of opportunity. By pursuing her studies while working to support her family, she embraced a difficult path with determination. She cherishes deeply every moment of that journey.
“Grabe ang pinagdaanan ko. Mahirap talaga, pero nagtiyaga lang ako. Pinagsabay ko ang aral at trabaho dahil naniniwala akong pinahahalagahan ako ng SMI,” she shared.
Balancing work and academia was a constant challenge, but Jinky’s perseverance paid off when she graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing Management.
“Lagi kong iniisip na dapat makatapos ako ng pag-aaral, hindi lang para maging working student kundi para maging empleyado ng SMI. Ang kumpanya ang nagsilbing inspirasyon ko. Sa awa ng Diyos at dahil sa SMI, nakatapos ako,” she said proudly.
Now, fully employed by the same company that believed in her dreams, Jinky embodies SMI’s mission to uplift lives and empower communities. Her story is a shining beacon for youth and families around Tampakan.
“Ako mismo ang patunay ng magandang layunin ng SMI — hindi lang para sa akin at pamilya ko, kundi para sa mga katribu ko sa Tampakan. Salamat po sa SMI dahil binigyan nila ako ng pagkakataon at pangarap na matupad. Kaya proud ako maging bahagi ng SMI,” she said.
When asked why she chose to stay with SMI after graduation, Jinky smiled warmly: “Scholar ako mula high school at naging working student dito. Kung di dahil sa SMI, wala ako sa posisyon ko ngayon. Kaya walang ibang lugar na mas gusto kong pagtatrabahuan kundi dito, bilang pasasalamat sa lahat ng tulong nila sa akin.”
Jinky’s inspiring journey—from humble beginnings, through great challenges, to a promising career—is a testament to what can be achieved with determination, gratitude, and the right support. She serves as a role model for her community, encouraging others to believe in themselves and the opportunities offered by programs like SMI’s scholarship and livelihood initiatives.
Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) continues to open doors of hope and opportunity, proving that with faith, determination, and genuine support, dreams can truly come to life, not only for individuals but for entire communities.
We invite the youth and families of Tampakan to look to Jinky’s story as an inspiring example. With perseverance and the right support, every dream can take flight. Sagittarius Mines, Inc. remains committed to walking this path together with the community, fostering education, empowerment, and lasting change for generations to come. (30
