Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (CBNC) formally turned over two new community projects on September 10, 2025: a two-classroom school building at Gotok Elementary School and a food processing center in Barangay Igang-Igang.
Both of these projects were implemented under CBNC’s Social Development and Management Program (SDMP).
The newly built Php 2.4-million classroom facility was constructed to address the increasing student population in Gotok Elementary School. “Our enrollment has grown significantly in the past years. This additional building is really a big help for us. Ngayon hindi na kulang ang mga classrooms naming,” said Myrna O. Malate, Gotok ES principal.
The project is already the second school building that CBNC has constructed for Gotok ES. “Barangay hall, multi-purpose building, health center, VAWC, yung sa cooperative po natin na building, lahat po yan ay galling sa CBNC. Ngayon itong pangalawang school building, kaya on behalf of Sandoval Barangay Council, maraming-maraming salamat po sa Coral Bay Nickel Corporation,” said Punong Barangay Eddie Catague.
“Salamat sa kamay na nagbigay-daan, salamat sa CBNC na nagmamahal, sa bawat sulok ng aming bagong silid aralan ay paalala ng inyong malasakit sa kabataan,” the students said in sabayang pagbigkas performance, expressing their appreciation for the new school building.
CBNC Community Relations Manager Bernie Martinez stressed the company’s commitment to education. “Sa mga estudyante, sana pagdating ng panahon balang-araw kayo’y makapagbigay ng magandang hakbang dito sa Barangay Sandoval. Ang tagumpay ng edukasyon ay nakasalalay sa ating lahat. CBNC remains committed to be a part of building a stronger, smarter, and more empowered communities. Lahat ng aming ginagawa ay para sa ating bayan ng Bataraza at Para sa Palawan,” Martinez said.
Meanwhile, members of the women’s association of Barangay Igang-Igang were happy with the turnover of the new food processing center. “Nakapag-training na po kami sa food processing at ngayon magagamit na namin ang building para makapagsimula kami ng kabuhayan. Nagpapasalamat po kami sa CBNC. Napakalaking tulong po ang nagawa ninyo sa pamilya namin,” said Nolda Querona, the president of the women’s association.
The food processing facility was established with Php 800K budget including equipment, through CBNC’s SDMP for Non-IP Igang-Igang. With this new facility, the women’s association is more motivated to strengthen and grow their business.