…“ companies on temporary shutdown and even those still under exploration likewise implement SDMP in their host and neighboring communities…”

The Mines Rehabilitation Fund Committees for Caraga Region recently approved six Annual Social Development and Management Programs (ASDMP) of operating mining companies in Surigao del Norte for the year 2005.

The following mining companies with approved SDMP Annual Plans are:

o Pacific Cement Philippines Inc.
o Taganito Mining Corp.
o Cagdianao Mining Corp.
o KROMINCO Inc.
o Hinatuan Mining Corp.-SDNP
o Hinatuan Mining Corp.-Taganaan Nickel Project.

The 5-year SDMP Plan of Surigao Integrated Resources Inc. duly endorsed by the Community Technical working Groups (CTWG) and the Barangay Councils of affected Communities of Claver, Surigao del Norte and Carasscal, Surigao del Sur is undergoing review by the Regional Panel of Evaluators prior to final MRFC deliberation.

The Annual SDMP contains the livelihood and infrastructure projects, IEC campaigns, and programs of companies to enhance education in the host and neighboring communities.

The ASDMP is composed of community development activities culled-out from the 5-year SDMP Plan of the companies. The activities were a result of the project identification and consultation done by MGB 13, the companies, the line agencies, and the NGOs in the host and neighboring communities.

Implementing SDMP is mandatory for companies who are actively operating a mining project. However, in view of the current development on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) exploration companies and even projects on temporary shutdown were encouraged to implement SDMP for their host communities.

Among the exploration companies, Silangan Mining Corporation Inc. and Greenstone Resources Inc. have submitted ASDMP for their beneficiaries in Surigao del Norte.

Pacific Nickel Philippines Inc., which has suspended operations, has also submitted its SDMP plans for 2005.

In Caraga Region, prior to the approval of the Annual SDMP, the communities concerned are again consulted through the multi-sectoral CTWG as to which activities would be most beneficial and useful for the communities.

The CTWG reviews the plans and programs and endorses the same to the Barangay Council for endorsement to the MRFC for final deliberation and subsequent issuance of the certificate of approval.

The MRFC during its regular meeting, takes up the plan meticulously from the projects identified and the budget allocation. The MRFC in the approval of the plan sees to it that the mining companies shall religiously allocate fund for the livelihood projects of the community residents aside from the allocation intended for infrastructure projects. The MRFC believes that by doing so, the SDMP shall be able to sustain improvement in the quality of life of the local folks in the host and neighboring communities even after the life of the mine.

With the 2005 SDMP in place, the host and neighboring communities are now ready for another batch of livelihood and infrastructure projects for implementation.