Kiblawan Mayor lauds SMI for its sustainable socio-economic contributions to municipality
Tampakan, South Cotabato – Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) has received recognition from the municipal government of Kiblawan in Davao del Sur, for its invaluable contributions in promoting the socio-economic development of the host municipality.
Municipal Mayor Joel "Jojo" Calma cited the mining firm for uplifting the lives of his constituents through various sustainable livelihood programs, education and health projects, environmental protection activities, and capacity-building programs for local communities and Blaan Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) in the area.
"Maraming, maraming salamat Sagittarius Mines, Inc. sa inyong tulong," Mayor Calma said in his speech during the 58th Araw ng Kiblawan culmination program on June 18, 2024.
Celebrating with this year's theme: "Kaysarap Ng Buhay Kung Alam Mo Kung Saan Papunta", the local chief executive outlined the positive economic changes in his town and highlighted the contributions of its partners, such as SMI.
"Tanong ng iba, ano ba ang ambisyon mo para sa Kiblawan, Mayor?' Ang sabi ko, 'makakita lang ako ng traffic lights dito sa Kiblawan, okay na ako!’ Napakaraming mga investors na magpapaunlad ng ating bayan; andiyan na ang SMI," Mayor Calma added.
As part of its annual Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) commitments, SMI has funded numerous development projects of the municipal government of Kiblawan and other host municipalities of the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project.
Specific to Kiblawan, the host barangays and Blaan ICCs, SMI has already allocated in 2024 alone around PhP11.9 Million for programs, project and activities in the areas of health, education, infrastructure, livelihood, capacity building and protection of socio-cultural values.
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)
2024-06-21
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