Tampakan, South Cotabato (24 June) -- SMI (Sagittarius Mines, Inc.), the proponent of the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project, last week joined the festive celebration of Tampakan's 40th Founding Anniversary, marking another significant milestone in its development partnership with the host community.

On 20 June, a festival highlight was the 'Parade for Partnership' where 4,000 local Tampakan residents joined hands and marched in support and recognition of the strong relationship that exists between the community and SMI. The celebration's theme was "Overcoming Challenges through Unity and Cooperation towards Peace and Sustainable Development."

To signify the importance of the partnership between the local government unit and SMI, Tampakan Acting Mayor Pedro Cagas, through an Executive Order, declared 20 June as the official SMI-Tampakan Partnership Day.

On this same day, SMI and the Tampakan local government, in particular, made the occasion a moment to celebrate the recent signing of the Municipal Principal Agreement (MPA) between the two important stakeholders of the town's development.

SMI also signed an updated Barangay Principal Agreement with the three host Barangays of Tablu, Danlag and Pulabato, represented by their tribal chieftains. The signing served as the highlight of the day's event.

Cagas said the signing of the Principal Agreements will uplift the quality of life of Tampakenos.

In an inspirational speech, SMI General Manager Mark Williams cited the MPA signing as a testimony to the genuine partnership between SMI and the people of Tampakan to pursue sustainable community development as a major by-product of the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project.

"SMI has time and again showed its commitment to Tampakan's development. To date, SMI provided basis for social and economic development not only in Tampakan, but also in the region as well. We continuously commit to invest in skills, social development and economic benefits that will remain with the communities and its people even long after our operation ends," Williams said.

Cagas expressed his gratitude for SMI's assistance in advancing development while protecting the interest of the communities. He also recognized SMI's aid in promoting and advancing the socio-economic development of the municipality. He cited the company's commitment towards development and responsible engagement with the Tampakan Project's stakeholders.