Mindanao Earthquake, Typhoon Victims Receive P4 Million in Aid for Recovery

MANILA, Philippines – Nearly P4 million in humanitarian assistance and rebuilding support have been poured in communities in Malapatan, Sarangani Province, following the recent 7.2-magnitude earthquake and landslides caused by Typhoon Inday. The aid was made possible through the through the “#TabangMindanao Operation” by B2Gold's Philippine companies — Phil. Gold Processing & Refining Corp. (PGPRC), B2Gold Philippine Exploration Corporation (BPEC), and its affiliate Filminera Resources Corporation (FRC). The group said its collective effort have resulted in the delivery of a total of P3.91 million in assistance, consisting of P1.4 million worth of relief supplies; P2.5 million in construction materials to support rebuilding efforts; and P124,000 for temporary shelter assistance. "Our corporate social responsibility extends beyond our mining operations," said Ryan Rusk, president of Phil. Gold Processing & Refining Corp. "When disasters strike, immediate action and sustained support are essential. Through the #TabangMindanao Operation, we are helping affected families recover and rebuild while reinforcing B2Gold's commitment to social responsibility and creating positive impact outside the communities where we operate” Approximately 13,000 residents across the Municipality of Malapatan benefitted from the #TabangMindanao Operation, with priority support directed to the severely affected communities of Barangay Poblacion and Barangay Sapu Masla where 491 households sustained significant damage. Tony Field, B2Gold Regional Exploration Manager for Asia Pacific, said: “Our partnership with the Municipality of Malapatan through its Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region XII ensured that our assistance reached the communities with the most urgent needs in a timely and coordinated manner” "Strong partnerships enable effective and lasting responses during times of crisis," Filminera Resources Corporation President Cris Acosta added. "By working closely with local government and national agencies, we were able to provide timely assistance that addressed immediate humanitarian needs while supporting longer-term recovery." Relief assistance included food packs containing rice, drinking water, canned goods, and instant noodles, as well as hygiene kits and sleeping kits with mosquito nets, sleeping mats and malongs for displaced families. To support rebuilding efforts, the companies also provided galvanized iron roofing sheets, marine plywood, coco lumber, nails, laminated shelter sheets, ropes, and other essential construction materials, enabling affected families to begin repairing and rebuilding their homes. (Contributed story)