The Tampakan Project provides opportunities for local business, community projects, as well as through government taxes and charges – resulting in considerable benefits to Tampakan and its surrounding communities.

In 2008, the project contributed PhP1.2 billion (USD28.2 million) to the Mindanao and Philippine economy through:

• Employment of more than 209 people and a further 1,055 local people working weekly rotational shifts on the project’s exploratory drilling rigs
  

• Annual wages in excess of PhP182.6 million (USD4.1 million)
• PhP181.4 million (USD4 million) paid to government in taxes and charges of which PhP2.9 million (USD65,000) paid in taxes to local government units

• PhP27 million (USD608,000) in power and fuel charges, and

• Community partnerships, sponsorships and donations totaling more than PhP65 million (USD1.4 million) 

Local suppliers

The Tampakan Project helps strengthen and diversify the local and regional economy by keenly sourcing goods and services from local suppliers whenever possible.

Our policy is to source local suppliers who provide value for money and quality. We also assess businesses based on their involvement in the community support programs or local social initiatives.  All suppliers and contractors are briefed on the Business Principles and are aware of our core values.

 Product suppliers are assessed based on the following criteria:

• Prices and quality of product
• Proximity to the site where the supplies are intended for

• Availability and completeness of supplies/stores
• Capability to deliver the supplies on time
• Local supplier in the project area

Service suppliers are assessed on the following:

• Commercial (prices, financial strength)
• Technical (resources available, quality of product and services, previous experience, ability to deliver on commitment, etc.)
• Compliance with Health, Safety and Environment standards 

Local business

The Tampakan Project has helped boost local livelihoods where its facilities are located. Local businesses like construction services, manpower services, transport, food services, and supply services have grown in support of the Project. It has generated employment and a marked increase in family income, thereby raising literacy and skills in the process.

In 2008, SMI paid local suppliers a total of PhP817.1 million (USD18 million) for goods and services.

Local Infrastructure

The Tampakan Project is committed to developing and maintaining infrastructure in the Project area and in expansion areas such as Malungon in Sarangani, Kiblawan and other Davao del Sur municipalities.

 In 2008, SMI provided various communities infrastructure support: construction and rehabilitation of water systems, shelter assistance, electrification, road repairs, and improvement of school facilities. In Barangay Kimlawis in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur, SMI supported the construction of a hanging footbridge to ensure the safety of the community members and project workers when crossing the Mal River. In Tampakan, South Cotabato, the company also turned over two school buildings to the Tablu National High School to provide a better learning environment for the children as the school initially used an abandoned market facility for classrooms.

Assessment and support of local needs is planned to continue through engagements with local governments, tribal councils and communities; compliance to the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) requirements; and technical studies.