Coral Bay Nickel Corporation and Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation extends monetary support to the Provincial Government of Palawan through its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) funds after securing an approval from DENR Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
According to CBNC Community Relations Manager Ernesto Llacuna, a total of P30.2 million was given to the provincial government Monday afternoon, May 11, P23.8 million coming from CBNC and an additional of P6.4 million from RTNMC.
Llacuna said that this funds will be used to procure rice to be given to all Palaweños who are now facing financial crisis due to COVID-19.
“Ang donation na ‘yan from Coral Bay ay intended for rice purchase kasi ‘yun po ang unang nasabi sa amin na unang pangangailangan so that is for rice supply. ‘Yung province na ang mag-handle ng distribution sa affected parts of Palawan which they think na kailangan na ang ayuda,” Llacuna said in an interview.
Meanwhile, Engr. Cynthia Rosero, Resident Mine Manager of RTNMC, said that they were very happy and fortunate to extend the help to more Palaweños through the provincial government.
“Ito po ay part ng aming SDMP funds at nag extend kami ng share kasi ito ay dapat ibinibigay lang sa host and neighboring communities pero itong ngayon na aming tulong ay para sa buong Palawan,” Rosero said.
Governor Jose Chaves Alvarez personally received the cash donation and expressed his gratitude on both mining companies.