Malungon, Sarangani — In celebration of Women’s Month, Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) conducted the turnover of maternity kits to expectant mothers in Barangay Blaan, Malungon, Sarangani, an initiative made even more meaningful as communities face increasing economic pressure driven by rising fuel costs.
As fuel prices continue to climb, ripple effects are being felt across remote communities, driving up the cost of transporting basic commodities, including food and essential medicines. For geographically isolated barangays like Blaan, these challenges translate to reduced access to healthcare supplies and increased financial strain on families, particularly for pregnant women who require regular medical support.
Held on March 12, 2026, at the Barangay Health Center, the activity gathered representatives from the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Blaan, the Barangay Health Unit led by Midwife Jennylou Perez, community members, and SMI personnel.
A total of twenty (20) maternity kits, along with slippers, were distributed to pregnant women to help ease the burden of preparing for childbirth amid rising living costs.
Recognizing that healthcare access is increasingly affected by logistical and cost challenges, SMI also turned over essential medicines to the Barangay Health Center.
With transport expenses pushing up the price and limiting the availability of medicines in far-flung areas, the provision is expected to significantly boost the center’s capacity to deliver basic health services—especially for patients requiring maintenance medication, as well as children and elderly residents who depend on consistent care.
Rosalyn Manigon, one of the beneficiaries, expressed her gratitude on behalf of the expectant mothers:
“Malaki ang aking pasasalamat sa SMI sa suporta na ibinigay nila. Malaking tulong ang mga kits na ito sa amin bilang paghahanda sa aming panganganak. Napakalaking bagay po nito para sa amin. Masaya rin ang aming mga asawa dahil may tulong na bukas sa puso na naipaabot sa amin. Sa ngalan ng mga buntis dito sa Barangay Blaan, maraming maraming salamat po sa inyo.”
Meanwhile, Midwife Jennylou Perez emphasized how the assistance helps address current healthcare challenges in the community:
“Kami po dito sa Barangay ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa SMI sa kanilang tulong. Ang mga maternity kits at mga gamot na inyong ibinigay ay napakalaking tulong sa aming komunidad. Malaki po ang maitutulong nito sa patuloy naming pagbibigay-serbisyo, lalo na sa mga may maintenance na gamot, mga bata, at mga nakatatanda. Sa panahon ngayon na tumataas ang presyo ng bilihin at gamot dahil sa mahal na krudo, malaking ginhawa po ito sa aming mga pasyente. Makakaasa po kayo na ito ay maipapamahagi nang maayos sa mga nangangailangan.”
Guided by its commitment to responsible mining and social development, Sagittarius Mines, Inc. continues to respond to the evolving needs of its host communities.
By supporting maternal health and improving access to essential medicines—especially in the face of rising fuel costs and their cascading impact—SMI not only honors the strength and resilience of women but also helps build more adaptive and resilient community healthcare systems. (30)
