Panag-uban 2019

3 News

SMI and the Philippine Bamboo Foundation support Regional Bamboo Forest Program

4 2018 SDMP HIGHLIGHTS 6 Education Program Village leader, education champion Unstoppable Lou From scholar to licensed customs broker Children with diplomas: a parent’s pride

10 Health Program

Bringing health services to far-flung areas

11 Enterprise Development

Empowering local women through turmeric production

12 TechVoc

Enabling women to have more options

13 Community Infrastructure Roads to better lives

14 News

“Growing Stronger, Growing Deeper, Reaching Higher”

Government recognizes SMI for environmental practice

The year 2018 had been a good year for Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) and the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project. Together with our Government partners and stakeholders, we have made significant progress in our mission to develop the Tampakan Project in line with the highest environmental, social and economic standards of sustainable development and responsible mining.

We reaffirmed our commitment to sustainable environmental management practices at all stages of the Project by maintaining our certification to the international standards of ISO 14001:2015. We were also recognized by the Environmental Management Bureau Regional Office XII as “Best Adoptor” for our support of the Government’s Adopt-an-Estero Program through regular riparian planting, clean-up and water quality monitoring in the Altayan River for the past four years.

SMI has remained committed to helping develop sustainable communities within the Project area. In 2018, a total of PhP36.7 million was invested for education and skills training, community health, community infrastructure, enterprise development, and information, education and communication. These programs reached at least 19,183 individuals and 2,131 households in the barangays and municipalities hosting the Project.

We continued to substantially progress the Memorandum of Agreement negotiation phase of the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) process with the 11 Blaan Indigenous Cultural Communities living within the Tampakan Project area. This process has been ongoing for more than eight (8) years to ensure maximum participation, transparency and clarity before the parties reach an agreement acceptable to all. It also gives our stakeholders assurance that the Indigenous Peoples’ consent to operate the Tampakan Mine is given freely and their collective decision is made as an informed community.

In 2018 we also received a number of statements and resolutions of support from farmers groups in South Cotabato for the responsible development of the Tampakan Project.

We view the year 2019 and beyond with enthusiasm and hope that, by working with the host local government executives who will be elected at the May 2019 national and local elections, our stakeholders and various partners, the communities hosting the Tampakan Project will continue to develop sustainably and SMI will be able to construct soon and eventually operate the Tampakan Project.

Joaquin C. Lagonera President

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News______

SMI and the Philippine Bamboo Foundation support Regional Bamboo Forest Program

SMI and Philippine Bamboo Foundation is supporting the development of the Bamboo Forest Program for Region XII through access to credible bamboo experts for capacity building and training.

The program aims to develop climate change mitigation projects for the region which will showcase bamboo-based reforestation, forest conservation, and sustainable livelihood development through the corroboration and participation of government agencies, LGUs, People’s Organizations, indigenous communities, donor companies, financial institutions, State Universities and Colleges, advocates, and bamboo experts.

An action planning workshop for the development of the bamboo industry was conducted on 20 March 2018 and another Bamboo Business Briefing and Planning Workshop on 24 August 2018.

The Planning workshops were facilitated by Philippine Bamboo Foundation Inc. President Edgardo Manda and attended by representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry – South Cotabato, Department of Labor and

Employment – South Cotabato, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Office XII, Provincial Environment Management Officer of South Cotabato, Municipal LGUs of Tampakan, T’boli and Banga and Barangay LGUs of Tablu, Lampitak, Poblacion, Pulabato, and Danlag, all in Tampakan.

South Cotabato farmers attend seminar on responsible mining A total of 346 farmer-irrigators from Koronadal City and Tantangan, South Cotabato, attended a seminar on the Fundamentals of Responsible Mining in late 2018.

Among the topics discussed by geologists and mining engineers from the Regional Office XII of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) were the importance of minerals in daily life, laws regulating the mining industry, mining methods and rehabilitation practices, and updates on the Philippine mining industry and on mining operations and projects in the region.

education campaigns conducted the MGB Regional Office XII and the SOCCSKSARGEN Responsible Miners Association, a group of responsible mining companies in the region who banded together to promote greater understanding of mining and to correct misinformation about the industry.

After the seminar, the Federation of Marbel-1 River Irrigators Association issued a resolution of support for the responsible development of mineral resources in South Cotabato. The South Cotabato Federation of Free Farmers (SCFFF) and the Kanami Koronadal Fisherfolk and Farmers Association (KAKOFFA) also issued statements of support for the responsible development of the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project.

The seminar was part of a series of unified information and

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2018 sDMP HIGHLIGHTs

Highlights of 2018 Social Development Management Program accomplishments

A total of 15,324 individuals including students, teachers and parents benefitted from various educations support programs implemented by the local government units and tribal councils in partnership with SMI.

Approximately 3,101 individuals reached by various LGU-led community health programs supported by SMI. •

Enrollment of 416 individuals in Philhealth insurance

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Assistance to 600 medical emergency cases by giving medicine and cash assistance through the various barangay councils in Tampakan, Columbio and Kiblawan

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Blood-letting activity in Barangay Danlag, Tampakan

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Medical mission that served 91 individuals in Barangay Danlag, Tampakan;

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Implementation of feeding programs in Brgy. Kimlawis, Kiblawan and various barangays in Malungon and Columbio for undernourished children benefitting 387 children, with a 1.5 kg recorded weight improvement

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Nutrition classes and breastfeeding orientation attended by 190 mothers and caregivers

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Free clinical laboratory availed by 42 pregnant women in Columbio

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Dental kits and dental health services for 400 children

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Support for the Healthy Young Ones Program, an adolescent health and development program and antidrug abuse campaign in partnership with DepEd and the Philippine National Police joined by 300 elementary pupils

Assistance to 14,389 students: 294 college, 6,437 junior and senior high school, and 6,653 elementary and 1,005 pre-school from the municipalities of Tampakan, Kiblawan, Malungon and Columbio

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Training for 317 parents, teachers and principals under the Creative Reform Education System in Tampakan (CREST), to help improve the quality of basic education services;

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Financial support for 12 locally-paid teachers assigned in the far-flung areas of Malungon.

Purchase of 200 newborn screening kits by the Rural Health Unit of Columbio.

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Fabrication and installation of 350 toilet floors to improve the sanitary facilities in two barangays in Malungon;

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Provision of 100 pieces of toilet bowls to improve the sanitation facilities of Sitio Lamgawel and Lam-alis in Barangay Datalblao, Columbio;

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Construction and installation of two (2) units communal comfort room for the benefit of 800 residents of Barangay Kimlawis, Kiblawan.

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At least 1,935 households were served by community infrastructure programs of the LGUs supported by SMI.

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SMI supported activities designed to protect and respect socio-cultural values.

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Conduct of SMI-LGU Partnership Day with the four municipalities which include cultural awareness activities

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Conduct of cultural festivals by the tribal communities within the project area

Rehabilitation of four (4) farm to market roads (FMR) in Columbio totaling 19.6 kilometers: 9.0-km FMR in Barangay Datalblao, Columbio, benefiting 494 households; 7.5-km FMR from Sitio Kapingol to Lomoyon in Barangay Mayo, Columbio; 2.5-km FMR from Sitio Kapingol to Sitio Sucob in Barangay Mayo, Columbio; 0.6-km FMR in Barangay New Bantangan, benefitting 360 households.

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At least 196 households were served by various enterprise development programs of the LGUs supported by SMI. •

8.0-km FMR connecting Sitio Palo and Centro Kimlawis in Barangay Kimlawis, Kiblawan

Provision of labor support in the completion and installation of electrical wirings and a transformer unit for the operation of a rice and corn-mill for the farmers in Columbio in partnership with municipal government and DAR-PAMANA;

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Construction of seven (7) solar dryers in seven barangays in Columbio, in partnership with the municipal government and the Department of Agrarian Reform’s PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) program;

Dispersal of 17 horses in Baragay Datalblao, Columbio and 14 horses in Barangay Danlag, Tampakan to help 31 households in transporting their farm produce.

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Training on vegetable production attended by community members from 65 households who also received seeds and gardening tools

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Establishment of one tree nursery, with training on nursery management for community members from 25 households in Barangay Datalblao, Columbio;

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Distribution of 20 power sprayers and assorted insecticides to 20 households in Barangay Datalblao, Columbio

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Purchase of one agricultural transport vehicle by Danlag Farmers Cooperative, benefiting 15 tribal council members and 55 households;

Rehabilitation of two (2) FMRs in Kiblawan totaling 12 kilometers: 4.0-km FMR in Barangay San Jose, Kiblawan

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Construction of 100-meters perimeter fence of Kimlawis Elementary School in Kiblawan

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Repair of two (2) footbridges in Barangay Datalblao, Columbio benefitting 120 households

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Installation of a drainage canal in Barangay Datalblao, Columbio, benefitting 84 households;

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Construction of cottages/ purok centers in Barangay Datalblao, Columbio, benefiting six (6) sitios and 130 households.

A total of 758 individuals have attended SMI-supported trainings and capacity-building programs of the local government units and partners •

Conduct of technical and vocational courses under Livelihood and Ventures for Economic Development Skill Training Program of LGU Tampakan in partnership with TESDA, DOLE and DSWD. A total of 104 trainees completed plumbing, beauty care, slaughtering, and hairdressing programs.

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Training on School Based Management attended by 98 staff and officials of the Department of Education.

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Parent Mentoring Program participated by 506 parents and teachers in Malungon.

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Training on nursery management and seedling production attended by 35 farmers and 15 members of the Mantey Fulong Kamlung Banwa Association.

For 2018, a total of 99 projects were proposed by the LGUs and approved for funding by SMI. Of these, 77 were achieved by December 2018, while the remaining 22 are to be completed in 2019.

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eDucaTIoN ProGraM

Village leader, education champion “My goal is to increase the literacy level in my barangay and to help the younger generation earn college degrees.”

I

am the eldest of six siblings, and we are one to two years apart from one another. You can imagine how difficult it was for our parents to feed us and send us to school. But with the help of Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI), we were all able to graduate from college. Our lives now are so much better, and my siblings and I have the means to help our parents in their old age.

My education helped me gain the trust of my people, and I was elected as Punong Barangay of Barangay Blaan in Malungon, Sarangani. Serving my village is challenging.

I need to be strong and firm always, especially because we have problems on security and safety. My capability to lead is sometimes questioned.

I am confident, though, that the problems can be eradicated.

How? Through the same thing that helped my family have a better life: education! My goal is to increase the literacy level in my barangay and to help the younger generation earn college degrees. Education will help them have easier access to economic opportunities and, when people are productive, the crime rate will also decrease because offenders would most likely resort to robberies and killings due to unmet financial needs.

Through the help of SMI, the municipal government of Malungon and other partners, my barangay is on its way to achieving our educational goals. In 2018 alone, the company provided financial support to 12 college students and 30 senior high school students from Barangay Blaan. Without that support, it would have been difficult for the parents of these kids and our barangay to send them to school. We also have a teacher in the local elementary school, who was herself a scholar of SMI.

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I hope the other scholars of SMI and I will serve as an inspiration to these new scholars. We were just like them before. But with perseverance and the right opportunity, we became successful in our careers and, most of all, were able to go back to the community and help expand the existing opportunities.

Sweetly Mae B. Galang, MPA is the Punong Barangay of Barangay Blaan, Malungon, Sarangani. She was a scholar of the SMI (Samahan ng Matatalinong Indibidwal) Scholarship Program. She graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Major in Filipino, from the Mindanao State University.

eDucaTIoN ProGraM

Unstoppable Lou “My college story is also a story of a great comeback. When I was down, I only had two options – whether to rise again or fall off as a failure. I chose to never give up.”

M

y college story is a story of survival. I endured college education for six years, shifting in and out of different courses and trying to find where I really belong.

I nearly lost my chance to finish college when I was taken out of my first scholarship grant because it got caught in the middle of partisan politics.

After failing in a few subjects, I learned to master the art of acceptance. After moving from one course to the next and each time adjusting to new people and a new environment, I learned to blend in. For every setback that I had experienced, I struggled relentlessly to have a stronger comeback.

With the help of former Mayor Leonardo Escobillo, I was transferred to the SMI-SP scholarship program. The financial assistance – including allowances – gave me the opportunity to no longer work while pursuing my education. It also gave me more time to focus on my studies. It helped my family meet our financial needs.

Since the SMI-SP is not limited to Tampakan residents only, it gave me the privilege of meeting other scholars from different parts of Regions XI and XII. It gave us the chance to build a network that we still maintain until today.

Soon enough, I earned my degree in BS Geology from the University of Southern Philippines in Davao City, passed the board examination for new geologists, and has since been employed as Geologist II at the Department of Public Works and Highways. Just this year, I gained another modest achievement in successfully passing the Environmental Planner Licensure Examination.

My college story is also a story of a great comeback. When I was down, I only had two options – whether to rise again or fall off as a failure. I chose to never give up.

Lastly, the SMI-SP grant has widened my perspective towards helping others. When I am in the position to help, may it be financial or in kind, I would help because I wanted to, without expecting something in return.

Louie B. Bahay is from Brgy. Maltana, Tampakan, South Cotabato.

He was a scholar of the SMI (Samahan ng Matatalinong Indibidwal) Scholarship Program. He graduated with a degree in BS Geology from University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) in Davao City in 2015.

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eDucaTIoN ProGraM

From scholar to licensed customs broker “The scholarship program changed my life. No money could pay for the education and honor I gained as a scholar and now as a professional.

Maraming nagsasabi na masama at may mga negatibong epekto ang pagmimina sa ating kalikasan, but my experience says otherwise.”

I

am the fifth of seven children, and farming was the livelihood of my family. The income of my parents was not enough for our food and for me and my siblings’ education. When the barangay, with the support of Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) offered a scholarship program, I saw hope and immediately grabbed the opportunity.

I was a scholar for eight years, from 2004 to 2013, and half of my tuition fee was subsidized every semester. I completed my high school at Holy Cross of Kiblawan and graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Customs Administration from Davao Merchant Marine Academy–College of Southern Philippines in Davao City.

under the trade name M.A. Bituro Customs Brokerage registered in Buhangin district in Davao City. Now I am affiliated with DSF Consolidated Freight Services and Altron Logistics, a prominent logistics and brokerage company in Pasay City.

I am proud of what I have become, and I want to inspire others so that they will also grab the opportunities that come their way. I am thankful to SMI. The scholarship gave me the courage to face challenges in life and continue my education. I hope that SMI will be given a chance to give more opportunities to help young people and communities.

After college, I stayed for one year in our barangay and tried my luck in local politics as barangay kagawad, but I lost in the 2013 barangay elections.

In June 2014, I decided to leave my hometown and seek better opportunities in Metro Manila. I enrolled in a review center for the Customs Brokers Licensure Examination. I took the examination in November 2014 and, with God’s help, passed it.

In May 2015, I complied the requirements for accreditation as a Licensed Customs Broker with the Bureau of Customs,

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Mark Anthony N. Bituro, is from Barangay Kimlawis, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur. He was a scholar of SMI-Barangay Council scholarship program. He completed his high school at Holy Cross of Kiblawan and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Customs Administration from Davao Merchant Marine Academy–College of Southern Philippines in Davao City.

eDucaTIoN ProGraM

Children with diplomas: a parent’s pride

I

’m a father of seven children, and five of them have received good education through the help of Sagittarius Mines, Inc.

I made sure that my children take their studies seriously.

I disciplined them and reminded them always to appreciate the opportunity that is being given to them. I knew that only through education could they have better lives.

My life was difficult growing up. Schools, even just for elementary and secondary, were far from us. There was no scholarship program either. So I didn’t have a chance to earn a degree, and when I married my wife, our life was no different from the lives of our parents. We had to make do with the little that we earned from farming. I’m glad that my children didn’t wind up the same way.

I encourage my relatives and the other members of my tribe to send their children to school. The younger generation should take advantage of scholarships. If they don’t finish their studies, we will remain poor.

I’m thankful to SMI for the financial assistance that is coursed through the tribal council of my community. One of my children successfully finished college and is now working abroad and another one is about to graduate from college.

With the help of my child who is now working, my life and that of my family has greatly improved.

“Sa aking mga kamag-anak at katribu, dapat pag-aralin natin ang ating mga anak. Meron namang mga scholarship para sa kanila. Kapag hindi nakapagtapos ang ating mga anak, mananatiling mahirap ang ating buhay.”

Morito Puli is from Sbangken Indigenous Cultural Community in Brgy. Tablu, Tampakan. His family was chosen as the Model IP Family of the Municipality of Tampakan in 2018. Five of his children were grantees of the SMI-Tribal Foundation Scholarship Program and one of them, Emelissa Puli, had graduated with a degree of BSBA from Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges in Koronadal City. Another daughter, Jinky Puli , is also graduating of BSBA.

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HeaLTH ProGraM

Bringing health services to far-flung areas

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or Barangay Health Workers like me, delivering health services to sitios is quite a problem because they are far from the barangay center and the roads are difficult to traverse, especially during the rainy season. Riding a motorcycle is dangerous, and walking is arduous, especially because we have medicines and other medical items to carry.

Fortunately, Sagittarius Mines, Inc., has been helping Barangay Datalblao conduct outreach programs to its seven sitios. The company provides financial assistance and vehicles, making it so much easier for us to reach the people who are in dire need of medical help.

Prior to the outreach programs, cases of teenage pregnancy, pregnancy without prenatal services, and maternal death were high. There were also reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases and leprosy, and we couldn’t do much to monitor and treat those who were affected. Because of the company’s financial assistance to the barangay council and the municipal government, our health services to sitio residents have improved.

Due to greater knowledge on reproductive health, cases of teenage pregnancy have gone down. Before, it was not uncommon for fourteen-year-old or fifteen-year-old girls to get pregnant. Women also now plan their pregnancy. Before, due to lack of knowledge and access to contraceptives, they had to bear an additional child even if the family lacked financial capacity or it wasn’t healthy yet for the mother’s body.

Maternal death and infant mortality also decreased because we encourage pregnant women to give birth in health care facilities instead of at home.

Being able to go to the sitios and talk to the people there,

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“Sa tulong ng SMI, nakakapagbigay kami ng serbisyong medikal sa mga malalayo at bulubunduking sitio.

Naipararating namin sa mga tao ang basic health services kagaya ng kaalaman sa family planning, prenatal checkup sa mga buntis, maternal and child care, at immunization sa mga bata.“ especially the women, makes so much difference. They easily open up to me about their concerns and health conditions, and I get to respond to their needs immediately. If they had to go to the center of the barangay themselves, it would be difficult for them and they would probably keep their problems to themselves or resort to unreliable traditional treatments.

My fellow Barangay Health Workers and I attend to around 400 women, plus the elderly and children. I am happy to be able to serve the residents of my barangay. I feel that I am like a mother to them. I’m thankful to SMI and our local government. Because of the company’s help, my work is easier and my community is healthier.

Jovelyn Marquez is from Brgy. Datalblao. She has been serving her community as barangay health worker for more than 20 years now.

eNTerPrIse DeveLoPMeNT

Empowering local women through turmeric production

W

hen we started out, we only had five workers one man and four women, including me - and the process was manual, so we could only produce two kilograms of turmeric powder per week. We sold the product to our neighbors. Turmeric tea improved the health of our customers and, by word-of-mouth, our product gained more attention. We began to receive orders from other people in the barangay and even people from other barangays.

Due to the demand, and because turmeric is abundant in our barangay, we were encouraged to expand our production. The organization availed of the community development program of Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI). The company provided us a startup capital of PhP 600,000, which we used to construct a building and an oven. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) also provided us several equipment, while the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) taught us how to label and package our product and helped us secure the necessary permits from the Food and Drug Administration.

“Malaking tulong sa aming mga kababaihan ang processing ng turmeric. Dati, umaasa lang ang mga pamilya namin sa seasonal na kita sa pagsasaka. Sa pagsali namin dito sa proyekto, nakakatanggap kami kada 15 araw ng share sa kita ng asosasyon, base sa dami ng turmeric na naproseso at naibenta.”

Virginia Basan is from Brgy. Danlag, Tampakan, South Cotabato. She is the President of Danlag Women’s Association.

Now, we have 25 workers in the facility, not including the students who work with us part-time when they have no classes. Together, we produce 200 kilograms of turmeric powder per week. With the support of government agencies, the Municipal Agricultural Office of Tampakan, and SMI, we have also showcased our product in exhibits and trade fairs in the region and in Metro Manila.

Because of this turmeric project, many women in the community have become more productive. They no longer spend their time in idle talk. Some work in the facility, while the others still contribute to the project and earn money by cultivating turmeric in their backyards. Even the men help out when they have no work in the farms.

The production of turmeric powder has changed my barangay in many ways. It has made the residents healthy not only physically but also socially. It unites families and neighbors. And these became possible because SMI trusted and supported us from the start.

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TecHvoc

Enabling women to have more options “Sa mga kapareho kong nanay at mga asawang nasa bahay lang at walang trabaho, magandang matuto ng bagong skills upang meron tayong sariling kita, upang puwede tayong magpaganda, bumili ng mga gusto nating gamit, at makatulong sa pamilya.”

I

lived the life of a farmer. I planted, cleaned, and harvested crops in the farm. When I learned about the free skills trainings offered by the Municipal Government of Tampakan, Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), I decided to participate. At first, I was hesitant and afraid because the skills were different from what I was used to, but I wanted to learn something new for myself and for my family.

In 2015, I trained for three months on beauty care and three months on hairdressing. Some people told me that I should be spending my time at home taking care of my children instead of attending trainings, but I persevered. And my decision proved to be right. Because of my new skills, I was able to have my own income. I was able to help my husband provide for the needs of our family.

I did home service, and I realized that I could earn more by acquiring additional skills. In 2016, when free trainings regardless of sex were offered again, I trained for three months on massage therapy. Together, my three skills became very useful. My clients liked it because they could avail of a packaged deal from me. I am also able to use my time wisely; for example, hair processes require some time, so while waiting, I can manicure their nails.

I now work at a salon in a mall in Koronadal City, and have a stable income. I was able to pay off my debts. I also help in paying the electric and other bills at home, and I can buy the things that my children need at school, such as uniforms, shoes, and materials for projects. I can also keep myself beautiful because my workplace is airconditioned and I can apply my skills on myself.

Wives and mothers like me who stay at home and have no job should try acquiring new skills. It’s fulfilling to see yourself improve and be of greater help to your family. Even if you are just an elementary or high school graduate, you will do great if you are willing to learn. With the free skills training, Mothers can do any job.

Maricel Ullamot is from Brgy. San Roque, Tampakan, South Cotabato. She had completed training in beauty care, hairdressing, and massage therapy through the LVE Skills Training Program of the Municipal Government of Tampakan in partnership with SMI, TESDA and DSWD.

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coMMuNITy INfrasTrucTure

Roads to better lives “Malaking tulong sa aming mga magsasaka ang maayos na kalsada.

Maliban sa nakakapasok na ang mga sasakyan na pinagkakargahan ng aming ani, hindi na rin nahihirapan ang mga bata sa pagpunta nila sa paaralan.”

W

henever the road is difficult to pass, farmers like me are greatly affected. We have to hire horses to haul our produce, and this costs a lot more. With trucks, we pay only PhP 25 per sack of produce; with horses, we pay PhP 65 per sack. It also takes so much time.

A truck can carry a whole harvest in one go, while a horse can only carry two or three sacks of produce at a time. By the time it reaches the center of the town, some produce may already be rotten.

So I am deeply grateful to Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) and our local government for helping solve our problem.

With the financial assistance from the company, our barangay council has been able to rehabilitate and maintain these farmto-market roads. Trucks can enter our farms and take our coconuts, corn, or coffee to the market with ease.

Our roads still need more improvement, however. I think ditches would be a big help. There are about 60 farmerhouseholds in our area and help in any form has a big impact on our lives.

I am already seventy years old, and I have been a farmer since I was young. My 10 children also rely on farming to feed their families. Our life is simple. We are happy to have at least one meal per day. Having a good road and saving a few hundred or thousand pesos in transportation expenses means so much to us. Good roads also benefit the younger members of the community who are still studying. It’s easier for them to travel from the farms to their school.

Agustin Bungin is a farmer from Brgy. New Bantangan, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat. The road rehabilitation project was funded by SMI’s community development fund assistance to the Barangay Council of Bantangan.

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News

“Growing Stronger, Growing Deeper, Reaching Higher”

Members of the Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) Scholars Alumni from Tampakan, South Cotabato organized a gathering on December 15-16, 2018 at London Beach Resort.

Writer Jude Ortega, author of the short story collection “Seekers of Spirits” was invited to hold a short lectureworkshop on effective storytelling.

SMI Community Relations Manager Joselito Kakilala attended the activity to support the alumni and encourage them to inspire the young people in their respective communities.

A fellowship and Christmas Party followed in the evening where the

scholars played games and had fun.

A new set of officers were also elected during the gathering: Pinky Simbag, president; Dominic Dice, vice president; Morena Malayon, secretary; Alta Gay Budiongan, treasurer; Nelsie Distura, auditor; and, Melody Puli and Jobert Gatuslao as business managers.

Elected as public information officers were Dante Peñera (Danlag), Joseph Malayon (Tablu), Ivy Distura (Pula Bato), Edgar Saling (Bongmal), and Margie Sambog (Lampitak).

SMI’s college scholarship programs produce 3 Civil Engineers in 2018 Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) scholar Joyce T. Maglasang, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Tampakan, South Cotabato, successfully passed the 2018 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination given by the Professional Regulatory Board of Civil Engineering in November 2018. According to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), 6,262 out of 13,887 examinees passed the said exam.

Engineer Joyce graduated in June 2018 from the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) in Davao City, under a full college scholarship grant from SMI. She is now working as junior engineer under FRC Engineering and Construction Firm and is currently involved in the early works road rehabilitation projects of SMI in Danlag and Datal Mangisi area.

All scholars under the Samahan ng Matatalinong Indibidwal-Scholarship Program (SMI-SP) enjoy full tuition and miscellaneous fees subsidies, plus monthly allowances, until the completion of their chosen courses. To date, more than 150 SMI-SP scholars have successfully completed their college education and are now gainfully employed as professionals in various disciplines.

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Meanwhile, Barangay Danlag scholar Roberto D. Alcantara also took and passed the same licensure examination. Engineer Roberto received his degree in civil engineering from Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College in General Santos City.

On the other hand, Danleg Tribal Foundation scholar Dante S. Peñera successfully hurdled the Civil Engineer Licensure Examination in May 2018. Engineer Dante is a graduate of South East Asian Institute of Technology (SEAIT) in Tupi, South Cotabato.

Barangay Danlag and the Danleg Tribal Foundation, both in Tampakan, South Cotabato, are SMI’s partner institutions that receive annual funding for education support, including technical and vocational training. These partner institutions include 10 other tribal foundations and IP organizations, four (4) municipal local government units, and nine (9) other barangay local government units, with SMI providing scholarship programs to over 2,000 college students year-on-year.

In 2018, forty-six scholars from SMI-supported education programs completed their college education.

Government recognizes SMI for environmental practice

Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) was recognized by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Regional Office XII for its invaluable support and commitment to the implementation of the Adopt-an-Estero/ Waterbody Program.

The award - given last November 2018 - was in recognition of SMI’s sustained efforts toward the protection and conservation of the environment Since 2015, SMI has collaborated with the EMB for the clean-up and maintenance of the 2-kilometer Altayan River that traverses Barangays Liberty and Pula Bato, both in Tampakan, South Cotabato, where the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project is

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located. Together with the concerned barangay government units, SMI had conducted regular water quality monitoring activities, tree plantings along the riverbank, and river cleanup.

The Adopt-an-Estero/ Waterbody Program of the EMB is a collaboration between and among the estero community, private companies, local government units, DENR and other government agencies. It aims to clean the esteros of wastes, debris and silt by mobilizing the stakeholders to join actual clean-up drives and to implement the appropriate programs to make the waterbodies clean all year and into the future.

SMI Boosts USeP Lab with Petrographic Analysis Equipment As part of its support in the development of mining technology and geosciences, SMI partnered with the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) in upgrading the school’s petrographic laboratory.

In January 2019, SMI turned over to USeP’s Geology Department a LED-transmitted and -reflected polarizing trinocular microscope with 3MP USB camera, rock preparation and mounting machine, and an all-in-one computer for petrographic systems with projector, with a total amount of PhP 960,000. The ceremony was attended by MGB XII Regional Director Constancio Paye, Jr., MGB XI Chief of Mines Management Division Noel Angeles, SMI Corporate Affairs Manager Roy D. Antonio and USeP officials and faculty headed

by Prof. Abigail June L. Agus, Program Head of the Geology Department.

Prof. Agus said that the upgrade will significantly boost the instructional capability, academic learning and the research potential of the University in its Mining Engineering and Geology programs.

According to Ms. Agus, one of the most important skills they would like to develop in their students is the capability to identify different rock types and their potential economic value through petrographic analysis. Expertise in this area is indispensable to a geologist and advantageous to a mining

engineer.

Mr. Antonio said that the support provided to USeP is SMI’s way of giving back to the school for its contribution to the mining industry. “USeP is the only school in southern Mindanao that offers degree programs in mining engineering and geology, and several SMI scholars have earned their degrees from this University. SMI hopes that through this partnership with USeP, it is able to shape world-class geoscientists and contribute to the development of mining technology in Mindanao and the country.”

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About SMI and the Tampakan Copper — Gold Project Sagittarius Mines, Inc., a Filipino company, is developing the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project by virtue of a Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) with the Philippine government. Through the FTAA, SMI is the Government’s contractor for the exploration, development, and operation of the Tampakan Project.

The Tampakan Project is situated on the boundaries of four provinces: South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat

and Davao del Sur in southern Mindanao. It is one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits in the world with a 2.94 billion metric tonne deposit. If developed, it will make a significant contribution to the economic prosperity of southern Mindanao and the Philippines. Making this Project a reality requires SMI to work in partnership with our stakeholders every step of the way.