This means that income from each family only covers some of the basic needs of children (food, clothing and shelter) but it does not guarantee anything more. The high level of poverty across the country force many children to work. It is very clear how poverty impacts the ability of a future generation to grow up properly prepared to take on responsibility for the future. The mining industry seeks to help minimize poverty as it supports sustainable development programs.
By implementing Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) it gives hope to young people who have a strong determination to finish studies despite tight financial conditions. From scholarship to employment Degie J. Baa, the first Mining Engineering SDMP scholar graduate, said he was incredibly grateful to have been chosen as one of the scholars of Cagdianao Mining Corporation (CMC).
“The company is a great resource for students like me who sometimes found my life very challenging,” said Ba-a. During his elementary years, Degie dreamed to become an engineer but considering the income of his parents, he could not even imagine how he would ever get to achieve his dream. "Mahirap lang po kami. I was not able to study high school right after I graduated elementary. I need to help my father earn to sustain our needs. Naging mag-uuling po ako sa loob ng tatlong taon. Minsan ay pasan pasan ko ang mga kahoy sa aking balikat maitawid lamang ang pangangailangan ng aming pamilya. Habang araw araw kong nilalakad ang daan sa aming bukirin, sumasagi sa isip ko ang minsang manghinayang sa buhay na kinagisnan ko,” he said.
With no money to pay for tuition, he feared that his only dream might be gone. Then three years after, a scholarship program came through for him. “I passed the SDMP scholarship program, and I was able to study in one of the best universities, Caraga State University. I don’t know if I’d even be able to graduate my course,” he said.
A first-generation college student, Degie came from a remote area with little familiarity of urban life to share.
“The scholarship was really what kept me in school when all I had is the funds given to me by the company,” he said.
Degie’s parents are jobless. “I have four siblings and being the youngest I can see how difficult life is for us. Both my parents are in old age and no permanent job is available for them. Both of them also were not able to earn a degree and so with my siblings who marry at early age,” he added.