Masbate Gold focuses on education
Some five years ago, the province of Masbate was among the poor economic performers among all the regions. Its poverty range ever teetered dangerously towards an alarming state. Although mainly known as a cattle-raising province, Masbate needed more to compete well with other developing regions.
Fast forward to today, Masbate is bustling with activity. Masbate is also now host to one of the largest gold-mining operations in the region – the Masbate Gold Project (MGP), a joint venture between Filminera Resources Corporation (FRC) and the B2Gold Corporation. As MGP marked the start of the second phase of its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) recently, it looked back to five years of community development efforts that molded Masbate into what it is today.
“From 2009 to 2013, we spent Php113,120,178.14 for SDMP programs in the eight host communities alone. From 2014 until 2018, we have set aside Php415,009,067 which will benefit all 41 barangays. We are committed to seeing Masbate change,” explained Resident Manager Danilo Latuga.
The eight host communities include: Amoroy, Balawing, Bangon, Capsay, Lanang, Panique, Puro and Syndicate. Funds from MGP’s SDMP allocation are aptly divided to mobilize five development enablers: livelihood, infrastructure, health, culture and sports, and education, the latter focused on achieving sustainable poverty alleviation.
MGP recognizes education as the most important legacy it can leave behind.
“Education is a top priority in all Filipino households across all social demographics, all over the country. This is why we want to make education accessible to all Masbateños and help them achieve their dream of living a better life,” Community Relations Manager Ramon Velasco said.
Education projects consisted mostly of scholarship programs, provision of school transportation, subsidies for teachers and school aides, and provision of classrooms, school facilities, and amenities.
Since the scholarship programs started in 2009, 554 students have been granted tuition assistance and monthly allowance. As of 2013, 99 high school and 95 college scholars have graduated.
In 2010, a new challenge presented itself: the implementation of the K to 12 curriculum. This means public schools were in want of teachers, classrooms, amenities, and facilities to accommodate more students at the same time.
To solve the problem, the SDMP funded the honorarium of 29 teachers, 12 daycare workers, and three school aides. In addition, 37 classrooms were built and/or repaired. Other school facilities constructed included libraries, toilets, stages, and fences, in addition to schoolbags, textbooks, school supplies, and equipment, such as computers and LCD projectors.