Tampakan, South Cotabato – The impact of Sagittarius Mines, Inc.’s (SMI) community development and education initiatives comes to life in the inspiring journey of Melody Puli, a proud member of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community and a former SMI educational assistance beneficiary who now serves as an agency-assigned Community Relations Assistant for the company.
Puli expressed her gratitude as she reflected on her journey, emphasizing how SMI’s consistent educational support significantly shaped her path. From her early elementary years through college, she was a beneficiary of the company’s educational assistance program, which helped pave the way for her future.
“As a member of the Indigenous Peoples community, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities SMI has given me since my elementary years,” Puli said. “Through SMI’s support, I was able to pursue and complete my college education, and this is a milestone that may not have been possible without your help.”
Today, Melody Puli has come full circle, working with the same company that once helped her achieve her academic dreams. She described her current role with SMI as both an honor and a meaningful responsibility.
“Being part of Sagittarius Mines, Inc. today is a privilege,” she shared. “Working for the company that helped shape my future is a powerful reminder of how education can truly change lives.”
Beyond her personal journey, Puli emphasized SMI’s continued commitment to empowering IP students and communities through education, noting that the company’s programs extend hope to many families.
“I sincerely thank SMI for continuing to uplift the lives of my fellow IP students who dream of a better future through education,” she added. “Your commitment to empowering communities does not go unnoticed, and it brings hope to many families.”
SMI’s educational assistance program is part of the company’s broader commitment to responsible mining and inclusive development, ensuring that host and neighboring communities particularly Indigenous Peoples (IPs) benefit from long-term, sustainable opportunities.
Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) reaffirms its role as a steadfast partner in community development, investing not only in education but also in the future leaders who will help build stronger, more empowered communities. (30)
