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 2009, the Project contributed PhP1.3 billion to the Mindanao and Philippine economy through:

• Employment of 341 personnel and 1,050 contractors
• PhP328 million in the purchase of goods and services
• PhP27 million for power and fuel charges
• Annual wages in excess of PhP189.4 million
• PhP207.2 million paid to government in taxes and charges

SMI continues to support community and social development programs in the areas of health, education, capacity building, livelihood and skills development, and in 2009 invested PhP79 million for the following:

• Free education for 14,332 elementary, high school and college students
• Health insurance for over 3,000 households
• Agricultural projects for over 600 farmers and tribal members
• Environmental projects such as field nurseries and reforestation activities, and
• Other developmental support programs for host communities

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 2009, SMI paid local suppliers a total of PhP328 million for the purchase of 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.