Monday, April 16, 2007 Firm allots P19.8 million for dev't of Tuba mining communities By Jane Cadalig
MINING communities in Tuba, Benguet foresee improved infrastructure and educational facilities, livelihood as well as health services with the aid of a mining firm operating in the town.
The Philex Mining Corporation has allotted more than P19.8 million for its Social Management and Development Program (SDMP) for host communities in Tuba this year.
Under the company's 2007 SDMP, infrastructure development was allotted a budget of P14,023,777. Projects to be funded under the infrastructure component include the construction of waterworks and improvement of road pavements and school buildings.
Livelihood and employment enhancement program, which include the conduct of skills trainings and seminars and agro-forestry projects, was allotted P2,243,543.
An amount of P1,311,400, meanwhile, would be spent for educational programs.
These would include the provision of financial grants to college and high school students and subsidies to elementary pupils. Others such as special programs for employment of students and assistance to various schools are also included.
Meanwhile, budget for the education and information campaign amounted to P1,717,000. Activities under this involve the conduct of planning sessions for the annual and five-year SDMP, hiring of private group to conduct an independent social and economic impact assessment of the SDMP
and information campaign to promote mining and the environment.
For the health care program, the company allocated P511,280. Activities under this project include the conduct of medical and dental services, conduct of first aid trainings and first aid kit to some clinics.
Philex's 2007 SDMP was forwarded to the Benguet Provincial Board for the legislative body's information.
Mining firms are required by law to come up with development programs for their host communities as part of their social obligations to the people affected by their mining operations.
