MATI CITY, Davao Oriental — Residents of Barangay Macambol and neighboring communities are seeing tangible gains in education, livelihoods, and basic services through projects funded under the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) of Hallmark Mining Corporation.
In Barangay Macambol, education-focused initiatives include the installation of a ₱750,000 solar energy system for public schools, ensuring a reliable power supply for classrooms and learning facilities—particularly critical in upland areas where electricity disruptions are common.
The company’s annual Balik Eskwela program continues to distribute school supplies, while education assistance has been extended to 219 college students from host and adjacent communities for Academic Year 2024 to the present, helping widen access to higher education for Indigenous Peoples and local youth.
Complementing classroom support, SDMP-backed skills training programs have enabled residents to earn National Certificate II (NC II) qualifications through Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, opening livelihood opportunities beyond mining operations and strengthening household income resilience.
Access to clean, dependable water has also markedly improved with the completion of major water system projects. The Level III Water System connecting Sitio Silad to Sitio Banluton—worth ₱1.2 million—now serves about 250 households with direct connections, replacing years of reliance on distant and inadequate sources.
A ₱200,000 Magum Water System further benefits around 50 households in Sitio Magum. To safeguard public health, a chlorinator unit was installed to ensure water quality and potability.
Infrastructure support extends beyond Macambol. Road repair and maintenance works in nearby barangays, including Cabuaya and Luban, have improved mobility and safety for residents and motorists alike, facilitating access to markets, schools, and services.
All SDMP projects are monitored by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and validated through multipartite inspections involving local government units, tribal leaders, and community representatives in Mati City.
Community and tribal leaders noted that the water systems were priority projects advocated during the 2023 SDMP Planning process—underscoring the role of participatory planning in setting development priorities.
Residents say the initiatives have delivered practical, day-to-day improvements—strengthening education access, improving health and sanitation, and expanding livelihood pathways that extend benefits well beyond mining operations.
