TAMPAKAN, South Cotabato – While Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) has yet to commence commercial production, the company is already making significant strides in its environmental and social commitments.
Through its Bamboo Development Program (BDP), SMI is manifesting a proactive approach to the government’s reforestation campaign, proving its commitment to responsible corporate citizenship by starting reforestation efforts long before commercial mining operations begin.
This initiative, a key component of SMI’s environmental rehabilitation efforts, focuses on establishing massive bamboo plantations across South Cotabato to enhance biodiversity and provide long-term livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Aligned with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) directives, SMI’s program emphasizes the use of Giant Bamboo (Apos). This species was strategically selected for its remarkable durability, fast growth, and ability to thrive in the local ecosystem, making it an ideal choice for soil stabilization and erosion control.
Recent milestones of the program include; Establishment of a 6-hectare bamboo plantation at Sitio Kampo Kilot, Brgy. Pulabato, with 600 seedlings planted in 2023, achieving a 100% survival rate through meticulous maintenance and community involvement; Expansion of the bamboo development program at Sitio S’bangayo in Barangay Tablu, with over 21 hectares planted in 2024 and an additional 14 hectares initiated in late 2025.
Monitoring reports indicate high survival success rates consistently exceeding 90%, with many areas reaching perfect success due to SMI’s “well-maintained” protocols.
The BDP is more than a reforestation project; it is a strategic tool for climate change mitigation. Bamboo is known to sequester significantly more carbon dioxide and release more oxygen than typical trees, effectively serving as a natural carbon sink for the region.
Beyond ecological benefits, the program creates a “grass of hope” for host communities. By integrating bamboo cultivation into its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), SMI provides residents with future source of sustainable durable materials for construction and handicraft products; create potential income streams through the harvesting and processing of bamboo products once the plantations mature.
SMI’s initiative strictly follows the MGB’s 2020 memorandum, which encourages mining companies to establish bamboo plantations covering at least 20% of their final mining area. For areas where mining has not yet reached a final stage, SMI utilizes “offset plantations” on external sites through agreements with landowners, ensuring environmental restoration occurs progressively rather than waiting for mine closure.
“SMI is not just preparing for a mine; we are preparing for a sustainable future for South Cotabato,” a project representative noted.
“By investing in bamboo today—well ahead of commercial production—we are demonstrating that our partnership with the government and the community is built on a foundation of environmental integrity and shared prosperity.”
As SMI continues its development phase, the Bamboo Development Program stands as a testament to the company’s vision: a mining project that nurtures the land and generates wealth for the people. (30)
