South Cotabato governor acknowledges SMI programs

KORONADAL, South Cotabato, Philippines - Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) has acknowledged South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr.’s support for the company’s provincial government-led programs which benefit local elementary and preparatory schools.

In his State of the Province Address in Koronadal City last July 4, Pingoy thanked the Department of Education and SMI for helping the provincial government provide health care kits to 100,000 pupils.

Pingoy also recognized SMI, together with Dole and the Mahintana Foundation, for helping the province in the fabrication of armchairs for various schools.

According to the governor, prior to this commitment there was a shortage of 15,000 chairs in the province. 

These two initiatives are part of SMI’s continuing community development programs, which formally commenced in 2007, that are being implemented in the host and neighboring communities of its Tampakan copper-gold project.

In 2010, SMI supported 19,000 elementary, high school and college students through the provision of tuition, other school fees and monthly allowances and salary support for teachers.

At the recent launch of SMI’s 2010 Annual Sustainability Report, general manager for operations and external relations, Mark Williams said the company invested P135 million in 2010 as part of its corporate social involvement (CSI) initiatives, including education, health, livelihood and enterprise-building programs.

“This contribution is part of our CSI program that aims to provide benefits to communities within and near our areas of operation,” Williams said.

“Even though the project is not yet approved, these programs have already provided real and long-term benefits to our host communities.

“We will continue to support the community through our CSI programs during the current stage of the project, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to Southern Mindanao, including South Cotabato,” he said.