CEBU, Philippines - Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation (Atlas Mining), through its subsidiary, Carmen Copper Corp. (Carmen Copper), turned over a 2-storey birthing center to the residents of Barangay Don Andres Soriano (DAS), Toledo City.
The facility was constructed with funds provided by the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) of Carmen Copper upon the request of the DAS barangay council for a birthing center that will improve public reproductive and maternal health services to underprivileged mothers and their newborn babies in the community.
Addressing the residents following the turnover, Adrian S. Ramos, Executive Vice President of Atlas Mining and Carmen Copper, expressed pride in Carmen Copper’s role as a leader in community service. “We affirm our commitment to sustainability and social progress through our Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and we pledge to work hand in hand with the local government towards ensuring that each member of the local community is part of the economic success of Carmen Copper,†Mr. Ramos said.
In his response, Toledo City Mayor John Henry Osmena said “Magpasalamat ako sa mga opisyales ug mga empleyado sa Carmen Copper kay gikan sa singot sa inyong agtang, sa inyong kakugi isip nagtrabaho dinhi sa mina, nakaabot ug salapi ang kompanya nga maoy gigamit para paghatag ug daghang kaayohan dinhi sa Barangay DAS ug dakbayan sa Toledo.†(“I would like to thank the officials and employees of Carmen Copper because of the sweat of your brows and industry, the company gained income that was used in implementing projects in Barangay DAS and the City of Toledo.â€)
DAS Barangay Captain Jeffrey Cabrera was grateful to Carmen Copper for building a birthing center in Toledo City’s biggest barangay which is home to almost 41,000 residents. “This facility is a tremendous help to us. Thank you very much Atlas and Carmen Copper,†Mr. Cabrera said.
Since its operation in 2008, Carmen Copper has been assisting the host and neighboring communities impacted by its day-to-day mining operations, with various projects that provide access to better health services and facilities, quality education, improved infrastructure, enterprise development, protection and respect of socio-cultural values, use of facilities and services within the mine camp, among others. These initiatives are in line with Carmen Copper’s flagship community services under its SDMP that aims to uplift the quality of life of the people of Toledo City through its various socio-economic development programs and financial grants.
The turnover ceremony was also witnessed by Vice Mayor Antonio P. Yapha, Jr. of Toledo City; Dr. Tiburcio D. Dacalos, Jr., Toledo City Health Officer; Barangay DAS officials, Atlas Mining and Carmen Copper executives and employees, and members of the local community. (FREEMAN)