COMREL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS
BENGUET GOLD OPERATIONS (ACMP)
FIRST HALF 2009

The Benguet Gold Operation, particularly its Acupan Contract Mining Project, has implemented various Social Development and Management Programs for its host Barangays Virac and Poblacion for the first half of year 2009.

In compliance to the government’s Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, a final location site for the landfill is still being negotiated with community residents and land claimants. Meanwhile, a continuing education on the RA continues.

On Health Programs, the Company has conducted a Free Circumcision Program benefitting some 83 young boys from Barangays Virac and Poblacion. . The monthy provision of logistics, power/electricity, manpower and venue for the monthly Barangay Immunization Program continues, as well as the establishment of Family Planning Centers and regular participation to Family Welfare Programs introduced by the Department of Health and the Department of Labor and Employment. The Company also continues to sponsor 20 indigent families to the Philhealth Private Sponsorship Program. (Php .064M)

On Education, the Company has sponsored attendance of Day Care workers the annual Day Care Workers Forum held at La Union.  The regular assistance to equip Day Care Centers with proper facilities and materials and supplies continues. In recognition to the achievement and contributions of the Day Care Workers and parents , the Company has launched its annual awards to the Outstanding Day Care Worker and Best  Supportive Parent, granting the winners certificates and tokens.(Php .021M)   

On Social Welfare Services, water systems are regularly maintained in Day Care Centers. To support the Philippine National Police , its sub-station located in Virac is provided a monthly gasoline allowance for their roving patrol vehicle. An emergency response by way of providing diesoline for the LGU equipment to open the slide at Barangay Loakan brought about by typhoon, (Php.040M)

For Environmental Programs, the Company continues to maintain its Virac Timberyard Nursery The continuing propagation of seedlings have assisted various LGUs, communities and schools in their reforestation programs .  Fruit bearing seedlings have been distributed as well for beautification and livelihood projects. (Php.005M)

On Livelihood, skills training on the Production of Beads Fashion Accessories was conducted to members of the various Women’s Organiganizations in Barangays Virac and Poblacion. (Php .016M)

On IEC, the Company sponsored the educational Mines Tour of members of the Cotabato Sangguniang Panlalawigan.  Officials were briefed on on the mining operations and its best practices covering areas on technical, environmental and social responsibility. (Php.013M)

COMREL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS
STA. CRUZ NICKEL PROJECT
YFIRST HALF 2009

Even on a pre-development  stage, the Company has initiated various n Interim Social Development and Management Programs for its Sta. Cruz Nickel Project that have provided opportunities for growth and development in the various barangays directly and indirectly affected by the mining operations.

On Social Services, the Company continues to monitor the  Malnutrition and Supplemental Feeding Program to 17 elementary schools from 15 barangays in the Municipality of Sta. Cruz. Almost a thousand pupils from Grades I and II have benefitted from this program and levels of malnourishment have tremendously improved. Feeding is done 2x a week and a monthly monitoring report on the development of each child is submitted.  (Php.115M)

On Education, the High School and Voc-Tech Scholarship Programs continue to be in effect . This program provides young boys and  girls the opportunity for secondary level education and  ladderized education.  The scholarship program provides free tuition fee and a monthly allowance.  To raise awareness and participation, regular forums/meetings with parents are conducted. This serves as a venue for fellowship amongst the scholars and parents as well. (Php.100M)

On IEC, the Company continues to dialogue with LGUs and community residents on the aspect of social development.

In addition, various donations on community activities such as town fiestas and athletic competitions have been extended. (Php.030M)