Tampakan, South Cotabato — Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) on Monday, July 7, announced the success of its annual rice-giving program for identified marginalized sectors within its host provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and Davao del Sur.
The mining company said around 16,000 beneficiaries have benefited from the program which kicked off on May 7 and culminated last July 4, 2025.
The program has been a yearly initiative of SMI as part of its commitment to pursue mining excellence towards sustainable communities.
“Ito ay taunang ginagawa ng SMI, bilang bahagi ng corporate social responsibility ng kompaniya,” Mr. William Baang, SMI’s Community Relations Senior Superintendent said.
He said among those who have received rice supply from SMI were members of Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities, Solo Parents, IP Women, Marginalized Families, and Local Transport Associations.
He also highlighted that the initiative is on top of the company’s annual Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) – a testament to SMI’s care and compassion to the less fortunate members of the society.
During one of its rice distribution activities in host Tampakan town, Barangay Poblacion Senior Citizen Association Vice President Erlinda Parameda expressed the community’s gratitude to the mining company for its continued efforts to look after their welfare.
“Sobrang laki ng tulong nitong bigas mula sa SMI, lalo na sa panahon ngayon na mahal ang presyo ng bigas. Katulad sa amin na mga senior citizen, malaking tulong talaga ito,” Parameda said.
“On behalf of Senior Citizen Association dito sa Barangay Poblacion, kami na mga senior citizen malaki ang pasasalmat sa SMI. Hindi lang bigas, kundi pati na sa mga gamot at vitamins na ibinibigay nila sa aming mga seniors. Thank you, thank you very much, SMI!,” she added. (30)
