Social Performance
We believe that we have a corporate social responsibility to protect and care for the people and the environment affected by our operations and we strive to improve the welfare and quality of life in the communities wherein we operate.
We believe that we contribute to the sustainable economic development of these communities and, more broadly, the nation.
The Philippine Mining Act contains specific provisions for social development and management programs that require all mining companies to assist in (a) the development of local communities to promote the general welfare of the local inhabitants; and (b) the development of mining technology and geosciences as well as manpower training and development.
The DENR Department Order (DAO) No. 2010-21 serves as the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Mining Act and mandates all mining companies to allocate annually a minimum of 1.5% of the total operating costs for such purposes. The budget is then apportioned toward various needs:
- Development of the Host and Neighboring Communities program
- Promotion of Public Awareness and Education on Mining Technology and Geosciences program
- Development of Mining Technology and Geosciences program as well as research and studies scholarship programs for mining and environmental courses, manpower training, and development
Since its implementation, PhP 416,549,260.12 has been spent on the development of the host and neighboring communities. Through comprehensive consultations, the about 200 programs being implemented annually were aligned with the UN’s roadmap toward addressing environmental challenges and social ills.
The Community Relations staff and community organizers assist us in building and establishing partnerships within the communities in which we operate, formulating programs that address the needs of such communities and also enable us to immediately address local issues and concerns.
Projects for education, health, livelihood, infrastructure assistance, and other social services are all designed and implemented in close coordination with relevant local government units and communities. A committee called the Representative of Host and Neighboring Communities (RHNC) — composed of representatives from local government units, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, people’s organizations, religious sectors, and the Company — is tasked to monitor the SDMP implementation and performance.