PHILEX SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS REACHES P400M
Manila, Philippines - Philex Mining Corp. has allocated more than P400 million for various projects under its Social Development Management Program (SDMP) over the last five years, according to the company’s 2016 Annual Report.
“We incurred P117 million for SDMP-related Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and an aggregate sum of P454 million over the last five years to further our goal of inclusive economic growth and progressive social structures within our areas of operation,” Philex Mining President and CEO Eulalio Austin Jr. said during the President’s Report at the company’s Annual Stockholders’ Meeting.
The company’s CSR campaign is divided into five divisions under the iHELP model, which stands for: I – Information, Education and Communication; H– Health and Sanitation; E – Education; L – Livelihood and Skills Development; and P – Support to Public Infrastructure.
According to Austin, projects include community engagement and development programs, health services and medical missions, equipment turnover, construction and rehabilitation of several school buildings, educational assistance programs, and scholarship grants.
Philex partnered with local government units, agencies, private organizations, and practitioners to implement these projects.
The iHELP model has been in operation not just in Padcal mine site in Benguet but also in Silangan Project located in Surigao de Norte, and Bulog, Sibutad, Bulawan, Vista Alegre and Cayas Projects.
Philex plans to continue these programs even after their mining operations as part of their advocacy in “conscientious mining”, according to Austin.
“We will continue to pursue our priorities to realize our CSR objectives, value-creation goals and long-term plans for sustainable growth,” he added.