Tampakan, South Cotabato — True to its commitment in promoting and protecting the welfare of the tribal communities within the Tampakan Project, Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) recently turned over a newly constructed Tampakan Blaan Museum Building for the three Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) in Tampakan, South Cotabato.
In a simple turn over ceremony held on May 28, 2025, at San Isidro 1, in Barangay Poblacion, SMI handed the project completion certificates to the Tribal Chieftains of Danleg, Fule Bato and Sbangken ICCs/IPs.
The building was constructed inside the one-hectare land property that SMI also purchased, as part of its commitment in preserving the cultural heritage of the tribal communities under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the mining company and the host tribal communities, following the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process.
In his message during the event, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-South Cotabato Provincial Director Mr. Ricky M. Trecero hailed this development as a “landmark victory”, as he lauded SMI for being compliant beyond its commitment.
“Ano ito, landmark victory para sa tribu, sa tribung Blaan. Congratulations also sa SMI. I would like to commend SMI, kasi ano sila, compliant. Even iyong outside sa MOA, binigay nila sa tribu,” Trecero said.
“Talagang ma-commend ko ang SMI as the most compliant sa mga provisions ng MOA. That’s why I commend SMI for taking good care sa ating ICCs/IPs sa Tampakan,” NCIP Provincial Director Trecero added.
In her part, Danleg Tribal Chieftain Bae Dalena Samling also underscored that the Tribal Museum and one-hectare land was a clear manifestation of the strong commitment of Sagittarius Mines, Inc. to deliver what it has committed in agreement with the Tribal Communities as reflected in the FPIC-MOA.
“Dire gyud klaro na nakita na gyud and resulta sa FPIC-MOA nga tinuod gi-deliver sa SMI”, Chieftain Dalena said.
Also gracing the event were NCIP Polomolok Community Service Center Head, Tommy Dawang, Jr., S’bangken Bla-an Foundation President Bai Lerita Malayon, Fulebato Bla-an Foundation President Fulong Celso Doc, and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Municipal Representative Fulong Domingo Collado.
The Tribal Museum and the one-hectare land has an investment cost of around Php 3.8 million.
In his message, SMI Community Relations Senior Superintendent William Baang, emphasized the museum’s role as a living bridge between the past and the future, and as a space for education, respect, and appreciation of tribal cultures.
SMI continues to pursue the principles of Responsible Mining, and being a Culturally Sensitive company committed to bring sustainable progress in the host communities. (30)
