Tampakan, South Cotabato – For farmers in Barangay Pulabato, Tampakan, South Cotabato, every bag of fertilizer and every seedling can make a difference in keeping their farms productive and their families’ livelihoods afloat.
Amid rising agricultural input costs, local farmers welcomed ₱400,000 worth of farm assistance from Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI), including corn seeds and fertilizers, to help sustain their farming activities.
During the turnover ceremony on Tuesday, November 3, Barangay Chairman Ryan Escobillo expressed gratitude to SMI, describing the assistance as a significant boost to local farmers and the community’s food security.
“On behalf sa Barangay Council, ang pagpapasalamat nato sa Sagittarius Mines, Inc. sa pag-facilitate sa pondo para makapalit kita og farm inputs,” Escobillo said.
He also hoped that the partnership would continue, bringing more development opportunities and support to residents.
“So, ang akong pasalamat sa SMI sa inyong padayon nga pag-suporta sa community sa Barangay Pulabato. Kami nagahinaot nga magpadayon kita sa mga programa, ang aton nga partnership para mas matabangan nato ang community sa barangay,” he added.
For beneficiary Jaime Dulay, the fertilizer assistance means one less expense to worry about as he tends to around two hectares of farmland planted with cacao, coconut and corn.
“Salamat sa SMI kay naa mi abono nga gihatag sa amua. Damo gid nga salamat. Dako kaayo ni nga tabang para sa amua,” Dulay said.
The assistance is part of SMI’s Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), which supports livelihood opportunities and community development in the host and neighboring communities of the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project. (30)
