The scholarship program caters to deserving students in enclaves covered by the SMI's Tampakan copper and gold project. In 2018, the SMI’s college education program produced three civil engineers, Joyce Maglasang, Roberto Alcantara and Dante Peñera, all residents of Tampakan. The SMI promises responsible copper and gold mining, according to its community relations manager, Joselito Kakilala. For Blaan leaders, only with the extraction of copper and gold in Tampakan, South Cotabato and nearby towns that can generate much-needed local revenues can their tribe rise from poverty and neglect. The Blaans acknowledge, however, that the NCIP’s grant of imprimatur on behalf of their tribe for SMI’s extraction of copper and gold in their tribal enclaves was just one step forward.

Source: Philippine Star November 14, 2020 04:07 UTC