Sarangani gov cites mining firm

MANILA, Philippines - Sarangani Gov. Miguel Dominguez has acknowledged the contribution of mining company Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) for the past nine years leading to an increase in human development index in poor towns in the province.

“SMI has been there since nine years ago, helping us innovate in our development planning for our municipalities,” Dominguez said.

He said it helps that the mining company “spreads their benefits not only within their impact areas but to their non-impact areas as well.”

In Malungon town, for instance, there was a 30 percent increase in high school enrollment in the indigenous people’s sector because of support programs from SMI, he said.