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Through the royalties received from the company, Agata’s host indigenous Mamanwa Tribe supports the education of both their elementary and high school scholars. Agata likewise supports the upkeep of its partner schools, in terms of its structural, technological and general supplies. (Agata file photo)
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A new normal. Agata’s Barangay Liaison officer delivers a donated photocopy machine to Agata’s partner school in Barangay E. Morgado.
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(L to R): Jessie Robas, Head Teacher of Kauswagan De Oro Elementary School, and Agata Barangay Liaison Alfonso Albuna unbox the photocopying machine and other supplies in its beneficiary school.
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Agata Community Relations Officer Mario Bantasan, Jr. gives instructions to Lawigan Elementary School teachers on how to use the black toner refill provided for the photocopiers.
Agata turns over photocopiers and school supplies to partner institutions
Tubay, Agusan del Norte/ November 2020 – As part of its efforts to mitigate the social effects of the current pandemic, Agata Mining Ventures Inc. (AMVI) recently donated over P350 thousand worth of school equipment and supplies to partner institutions located in its host municipalities Tubay and Santiago, Agusan del Norte Province. The initiative is geared towards enabling the schools to produce learning modules for students in the companies’ beneficiary communities.
Community Relations Officer Mario Bantasan Jr. led the formal turnover of heavy-duty photocopiers and paper supplies in Barangay Tinigbasan National High School and Elementary School, Barangay Lawigan Elementary School and Kauswagan De Oro Elementary School in Barangay E. Morgado.
The project is under the Education component of Agata’s Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) – a five-year plan budget for development programs in its beneficiary communities.
It likewise complies with DENR Administrative Order No. 2010-21 or the Consolidated Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 7942, otherwise known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. In a recent Community Relations report, Agata pegged its 2020 Education Budget at P1.5 million.
Resilient communities
“The turnover of school equipment and supplies is one of the many ways to ensure the education, social development and holistic growth of our people, especially in this trying time,” said Community Relations Manager Jonathan Bañez.
Aside from education, Agata’s other SDMP components include health, livelihood, public utilities, socio-cultural programs and relief projects: immediate emergency response in providing food packs, medical kits and clean water systems, among others. The company has pegged over P11.6 million for its SDMP budget in 2020.
“Our SDMP has components and programs calibrated to respond and assist the communities in their time of need. Apart from immediate response, Agata will continue to foster long-term and comprehensive development in our area,” Bañez expressed, adding that 45 percent of the joint SDMP funds have already been utilized for this year.
Agata believes in responsible and conscientious mining operations that ultimately focuses on social development, environmental conservation and inclusive growth for the people. Its sustainable projects build confidence that its communities can build a better future that will outlive its mining operations.
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