Mining Companies and Industrial Sand and Gravel Permittees (ISGP) will be spending around P20 million in implementing their Social Development and Management Programs (SDMPs) this year to their host and neighboring communities.
According to Region III Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) OIC, Regional Director Atty. Danilo U. Uykieng the P20 million will be spent for health, education , infrastructures, livelihood and other social services programs for 2011
Based on records submitted to MGB , Holcim Phils Inc. (HPI) Bulacan Plant has the biggest SDMP budget this year with P4 million followed by Benguet Corporation with P3.4 million , Republic Cement Corp. Bulacan Plant (RCC-Bul) P2.9 million, Republic Cement Corp. Norzagaray Plant (RCC-NOR) with P2 milliion and Eagle Cement with P1.1 million
Other companies implementing SDMP are Luzon Continental Land Corporation, Zambales Diversified Metals Corp.(ZDMC) formerly Crau Minerals Corp., Spar Development Corp., , Michael L. Tapang, 29.A.D., Rockmix Inc., Filipinas Mining , Ore Asia Mining Development Corporation Pacific Concrete Products Inc- Treadstone ‘89 Devt Co., and Augusto/ Karen Ayson , Golden Sun, T. Carlos, D Primerock and E. Escoto.
The SDMP is a 5-year plan geared towards the development of responsible, self-reliant and resource-based communities capable of developing, implementing and managing development programs, projects and activities. Credited activities under SDMP are: Establishment/construction, development and maintenance of infrastructure such as community schools, hospitals, churches, roads, bridges etc; Establishment of livelihood industries including reforestation through usufruct contracts to be issued by the DENR; Using facilities within the mine camp, such as hospitals and schools by members of host and neighboring communities and other activities that the Director may consider upon proper recommendation by the concerned professional organization and/or research institution.
As provided in Section 134 of DENR Administrative Order No. 2010-21, the Contractor/Permit Holder/Lessee shall allot annually a minimum of one and half percent (1.50%) of the operating costs necessary to assist in the development of the host and neigboring communities in accordance with its SDMP to promote the general welfare of the inhabitants living therein, for the advancement of mining technology and geosciences to build up resources and mineral discoveries, improve operational efficiency and resource recovery and enhance environmental protection and mine safety and institutionalization of Information, Education and Communication program for greater public awareness and understanding of responsible mining and geosciences