Tampakan, South Cotabato – With grateful hearts and a shared commitment to the well-being of children, Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) extended support to Tokaymal Elementary School (ES) through the distribution of feeding supplies, helping strengthen the school’s efforts to provide nutritious meals for its learners.
On August 27, 2026, the assistance was formally extended to the school as part of SMI’s Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), which supports meaningful initiatives that respond to the needs and priorities of SMI’s host and neighboring communities.
For Flora Matibay, a teacher at Tokaymal ES, the support carries a deeply personal meaning. She was once an SMI scholar, and today, she is giving back by serving as a teacher in the community.
“Isa rin ako sa mga scholar ng SMI noon, at ngayon, teacher na rin ako. Laking pasalamat ko sa SMI sa tulong na ibinigay nila sa akin noon. Malaking bagay iyon sa pag-aaral ko at nakatulong para maabot ko ang pangarap kong maging guro. Ngayon, masaya ako na nakikita ko rin ang patuloy na pagtulong ng SMI sa aming paaralan at sa mga learners ng Tokaymal Elementary School.”
Her story reflects how community support can create a lasting impact, turning opportunities received by one generation into inspiration and service for the next.
In his message, Archie Labado, School Head of Tokaymal Elementary School, expressed his appreciation for SMI’s continued support.
“Madamo gid nga salamat sa SMI sa padayon nga suporta sa Tokaymal Elementary School. Dako gid ini nga bulig sa amon mga learners, ” he said.
The distribution was more than a turnover of feeding supplies. It was a celebration of partnership, gratitude, and shared commitment to helping children stay healthy, learn well, and reach their dreams.
For SMI, initiatives like this embody the meaning of responsible mining, working hand in hand with communities, listening to their needs, and supporting programs that create meaningful and lasting benefits beyond the mine site.
Through the SDMP, SMI remains committed to working alongside its host and neighboring communities in strengthening education, supporting children’s well-being, and creating opportunities for a brighter future. (30)
