CARMEN Copper Corp. and its host communities in Toledo City, Cebu signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the five-year implementation of its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) on Wednesday, March 4, 2020.
Carmen Copper’s SDMP aims to bring sustainable growth in communities which host mining industries through development programs, projects and activities done every year.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 assisted the municipal and barangay beneficiaries, and Carmen Copper in finalizing the SDMP projects and activities.
Engineer Armando L. Malicse, MGB 7 chief science research specialist of Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division (MSESDD), emphasized the importance of planning workshops in coming up with projects and activities mutually agreed by the mining firm and the host community.
He assured that the MGB 7 can provide the necessary framework and consultations about the program.
Carmen Copper, located in Barangay Don Andres Soriano, operates on the mineral resource and ore reserves located in barangays Carmen, Lutopan and Biga in Toledo City.
The SDMP projects and activities, as stated in the MOA, will benefit the host barangays Biga, Das, Media Once and Loay, as well as the neighboring barangays of Bagakay, Poog, Campo 8, Cantabaco, Pangamihan, General Climaco, Bunga, Cambang-hug, Sam-ang, Bulongan, Magdugo, Landahan and Subayon.
The Philippine Mining Act of 1995 requires mining companies to allocate funds for programs and projects that can help uplift the lives of their host communities and neighboring areas.
These projects include support for local organizations, small business, and building farm-to-market roads, water systems, and schools, among others.
MGB 7 Director Loreto Alburo said their agency conducts regular monitoring and supervision in these communities to ensure that mining benefits will reach the residents as well.
Malicse witnessed the MOA signing together with Toledo City Mayor Marjorie Perales and representatives from the Department of Education–Toledo City Division, Department of Agriculture and the Toledo City Health Office. (S)