KORONADAL CITY, Philippines – More than 400 residents of Barangay Liberty in Tampakan, South Cotabato benefited from a community feeding program jointly organized by local leaders and Sagittarius Mines Incorporated (SMI) on September 19.

Barangay officials led by Chairman Noli Jalagat said the feeding event, held during the Maskalaya Festival, served children, pregnant women, and senior citizens in the community.

Jalagat said the annual Maskalaya Festival aims to strengthen unity and cooperation between the Blaan indigenous people and non-Blaan settlers in the barangay, fostering peace and community development.

“We thank Sagittarius Mines Incorporated for joining our celebration. Their presence proves that they are not only partners in the development of our barangay but also in improving the health and welfare of our people,” Jalagat said.

Tampakan municipal officials said SMI has been implementing wide-ranging humanitarian and community projects across several barangays in the municipality.

SMI continues to partner with barangay leaders and Blaan tribal elders in rolling out various community service programs in Liberty and nearby areas.

About The Author

John Unson

John Unson is a veteran Filipino journalist who serves as a staff writer for the regions “Central Mindanao and BARMM” at The Philippine Star. He covers news and events in Mindanao — especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the broader Central Mindanao area. His reporting spans a wide range of topics including security incidents, terrorist-related developments, drug enforcement, smuggling operations, social issues, and regional politics.

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