SMI provides 483 Tampakan students access to safe water
Tampakan, South Cotabato - A total of 483 students of Lampitak National High School in Barangay Lampitak, in the Municipality of Tampakan, South Cotabato, now enjoy a steady supply of safe and potable water in their school, 24/7. Thanks to Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI).
School Head Jane Jumawan said that for the longest time, their school had no direct access to basic drinking water until the completion of the water pump system project funded by SMI.
"Pagdating ko rito, problema talaga ang tubig. Meron lang schedule ng water supply from 7-8 in the morning, so kailangang mag-ipon ka na ng tubig, kasi walang water supply ang school," she said.
"May water system naman ang barangay, pero may binabayaran kami na P100 a month," she added.
Ms. Jumawan said their situation aggravated during the last El Niño phenomenon where using the comfort room was a big challenge for both students and teachers, as there’s no supply of running water.
"Ang pinaka-worst experience iyong nag-El Niño, na ilang buwan. Ang mga tanim, hindi mo na priority, kasi ang mga comfort rooms. Ang mga basic needs lang ng mga bata. Pero mauubos din talaga. Kaya ang mga bata, pag-ubos na ang tubig, magpapa-alam na lalabas para mag-CR sa kanilang mga bahay," the school official added.
With the newly installed water pump system, the school can now have a reliable supply of water.
Through its annual Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), Sagittarius Mines, Inc. continues to provide various livelihood, infrastructures, health and educational assistance to its host and neighboring communities.
The mining company is committed to sustainable development and contributes to the social and economic development of host communities associated with its operations.
"Sa existing water system na binigay ng SMI, malaki talaga ang tulong dahil naging tuloy-tuloy na ang suplay ng tubig!," Ms. Jumawan said with excitement.
2024-10-17
