Central Visayas mining companies provided assistance to communities affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic through the use of unutilized Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) funds, amounting to a total of P21 million.
This was reallocated after the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) issued a memorandum on April 1, 2020, which allows regional directors to approve this action.
Carmen Copper Corporation (CCC) in Toledo City, Cebu realigned its SDMP funds for the procurement of food packs for the household in its host and neighboring communities. The company allocated P16 million for the 8,000 households in 17 barangays in Toledo City.
“A lot of changes have already occurred. As we move forward, there will be changes in the manner we do things. But there is one thing constant, the imperative of unity. This is the time to be one. This cannot be won by a single individual,” CCC president and chief executive officer Roy Deveratura was quoted in a report.
On the other hand, Solid Earth Development Corporation (SEDC) in San Fernando, Cebu, allotted around P400,000 from its SDMP funds for the purchase of food packs to be distributed to various households and frontliners in 13 barangays of San Fernando and its nearby town.
SEDC also provided personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectants, transportation and accommodation for its working employees.
Meanwhile, JLR Construction and Aggregates Inc. spent almost P2.7 million in assistance to households and displaced workers from Minglanilla, Naga City, Talisay City and Mandaue City.
Bohol Limestone also set aside P1 million for food packs to be distributed to more than 6,000 households in Garcia-Hernandez town.
MGB-7 director Loreto Alburo said the unused SDMP funds must be utilized first before mining firms could use their 2020 budget.
“Subject to the approval of the MGB regional director, the 2020 Annual SDMP budget can be realigned with the utilization of 12 to 17 percent every week,” Alburo said.
“I’m thankful for the initiatives and efforts of the mining companies in helping the communities and protecting their employees through preventive measures to survive this crisis,” Alburo added.
The MG-7 reminded mining companies to submit required documents in their quarterly accomplishment report on the utilization of realigned SDMP funds, which include official receipts and proof of purchase of food and medical supplies.
