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Environmental and Social Report
Silangan Project (formerly Boyongan Project) Anchored on the principle of partnership building, the Silangan Mindanao Mining Co., Inc. (SMMCI) continues to implement its Community-Based Development and Environmental Management Program in coordination with the local government units, civic organizations and other members of the host communities. Environment Management The Company, as a testament of its commitment to protect the environment, fully supported the operation and activities of the Community Technical Working Group (CTWG). The CTWG conducted quarterly monitoring of the drilling exploration sites to evaluate the Company’s compliance to its Environmental Work Program. During the year, there was no serious complaint raised in the CTWG’s evaluation. The CTWG expressed its appreciation for the efforts of the Company in effecting mitigating measures over the impacts of the exploration project to the environment.
For this reason, SMMCI was bestowed the 2009 Presidential Mineral Industry Environment Award (Exploration Category) for outstanding performance in environmental management and community development. Community Development The Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign is continuously being conducted where the Company’s social development programs and updates on the exploration project are regularly disseminated to the host and the neighboring communities. Social and environmental issues are discussed and harmonious relationship is developed through community immersion and regular dialogues with local group leaders and focused group discussions with various sectors such as schools, religious groups and environmentalists. During the year, through the Education Assistance Program under SMMCI, the Company sponsored 86 scholars from the Silangan Project who were provided with uniforms, school supplies and financial assistance to cover school fees. Of these scholars, 32 students are from the Indigenous People (IP) belonging to the Mamanwa tribe. Training on masonry and carpentry, in partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), was also provided for out-of-school youth (OSY). These OSYs were trained on the job during the construction of some infrastructure projects in the local barangays and schools as part of their practicum. SMMCI also provided financial and in-kind assistance to local school projects like educational trainings for teachers, computer literacy seminars and science fairs. Technical assistance was extended to the Company’s partner People Organization, the San Isidro Capayahan Timamana Livelihood Association (SICATILA) through community planning, financial audits and conduct of regular meetings to further strengthen their organization. In the Municipality of Tubod, SMMCI extended infrastructure assistance to nine (9) barangays and to the local schools in the host communities. The assistance came in the form of supplies and materials to schools, local construction projects, repairs of purok centers, improvement of the provincial road within the barangay, and repair of the drinking water system in the locality.
In partnership with the Rotary Club of Metro Surigao and in coordination with the local government unit, the Company provided financial assistance to the Operation Smile Program (cleft palate operation) in Surigao City in 2009. Additionally, a joint project for Cataract Operation was also conducted in Tubod, Surigao del Norte, with Loving Presence Foundation and the Municipal LGU. Free medicines were also distributed to 951 beneficiaries during a medical and dental mission conducted by SMMCI in the neighboring communities. The Company also financed the annual accident insurance premium of the 210 local volunteer workers from three (3) host barangays. SMMCI is also an active participant and a financial supporter of community affairs like sports activities, fiesta celebrations and other major cultural activities in the Municipality of Tubod and its barangays. <<Previous Next>> Lascogon Project Bulawan Project Sibutad Project |
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©2007 Philex Gold Inc.
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