KORONADAL CITY (June 29, 2024) — Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) had received a citation from the municipal government of Kiblawan in Davao del Sur, for its contributions in promoting the socio-economic development of the municipality, which is covered by the firm’s Tampakan Copper-Gold Project, soon to start with permission from Malacañang, no less.
Municipal Mayor Joel “Jojo” Calma cited the mining firm for uplifting the lives of his constituents through various sustainable livelihood programs, education and health projects, environmental protection activities, and capacity-building programs for local communities and Blaan Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) in the area.
“Maraming, maraming salamat SMI inyong tulong,” Mayor Calma said in his speech during the 58th Araw ng Kiblawan culmination program last June 18, 2024.
Celebrating with this year’s theme: “Kaysarap Ng Buhay Kung Alam Mo Kung Saan Papunta”, the local chief executive outlined the positive economic changes in his town and highlighted the contributions of its partners, such as SMI.
“Tanong ng iba, ano ba ang ambisyon mo para sa Kiblawan, Mayor?’ Ang sabi ko, ‘makakita lang ako ng traffic lights dito sa Kiblawan, okay na ako!’ Napakaraming mga investors na magpapaunlad ng ating bayan; andiyan na ang SMI,” Mayor Calma added.
As part of its annual Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) commitments, SMI had funded numerous development projects of the municipal government of Kiblawan and other Tampakan Copper-Gold Project host municipalities — Tampakan in South Cotabato, Malungon in Sarangani and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat.
SMI already spent P11.9 million for 2024 alone for programs in the areas of health, education, infrastructure, livelihood, capacity building and protection of socio-cultural values in Blaan and non-Blaan communities in Kiblawan.
With all major approvals and permits from the national government secured, SMI is ready to start construction this year and produce its first copper concentrate in mid-2027.
Photo show Julius Clarete, a senior staff of SMI, (second from right), receiving a special citation for the firm from Mayor Calma in recognition of the firm’s contributions to the socio-economic development of Kiblawan town. (CONTRIBUTED REPORT, JUNE 29, 2024)
