Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (CBNC) and Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC), affiliates of Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC), have shelled out over P2.5 million for 40 iMac desktop computer units, which they donated to various schools in Palawan.

The 21.5 inch iMac desktop computer units were formally turned-over to winning schools, one of which is Palawan National School (PNS), last June 27.

Ma. Mary Anne O. Baribar, CBNC Community Relations (Comrel) Manager, said the iMac desktop computer units were presented as grand prize to schools that emerged as over-all champions in various academic contests during the GroundBreak 2016: Palawan Ground Zero in Puerto Princesa City last March.

Baribar said the winning schools each received five units of iMac desktop computers that could be of big help in setting up their own computer laboratory.

“This is one big factor that could contribute to the skills and knowledge of our students and could be part of our computer education and computer literacy program,” said Baribar during the turn-over held at Palawan National School (PNS).

She said the donation only proves the commitment of the two mining companies in helping the government in enhancing the educational system even in the remote areas of Palawan.

Rosabella G. Balmonte, PNS principal, thanked the two mining companies for the iMac desktop computers which could be used -

"Salamat sa mga binigay nyong computers isa itong malaking biyaya hindi lamang sa mga guro kundi lalo na sa mga estudyante dahil makakatulong ito sa kanilang pag-aaral," said Balmonte.

Rachelle Ann N. Lauricio, RTNMC's Information, Education and Communication

(IEC) Officer said the donation is part of the company's support to the education sector in time for this year's school opening.

"Ito ay tulong edukasyon handog ng RTNMC at CBNC para sa mga mag-aaral ng Palawan. We are the government's partner in building a better future for our youth," she said.

Prior to the turn-over, winning schools’ representatives underwent a train the trainer seminar conducted by Angel Amerila III of A-Shop Apple Philippines last May.

Laurence P. Amores, CBNC Comrel General Supervisor explained that it is important that school representatives undergo such training because Imac computer is rarely used especially in Palawan schools “so they need to familiarize its mechanics and operations.”

“This training is indeed very significant because participants will impart the knowledge that they have acquired to teachers who will be using these Imac computers in their lessons,” he added.

The academic contests were participated by students from elementary and high schools as well as colleges in Palawan North, Palawan South and PuertoDivisions.

It was divided into three categories that include Emahe, a poster-making contest; Excavate, an essay writing contestand Emanate, an extemporaneous speech contest with the theme centered on responsible mining.

The schools that emerged as the ‘best of the best’ and received five units of iMac desktop computers include San Vicente Central School (North Palawan), Aborlan Central School (South Palawan) and East Central School (Puerto Palawan) for the Elementary Division.

For High School Division: Central Taytay National High School (North Palawan), Narra National High School (South Palawan) and Palawan National School (Puerto Palawan).

For the College Division: Western Philippines University (South Palawan) and Palawan State University (Puerto Palawan).

RTNMC is primarily engaged in the exploration, mining and exporting of nickel ore and providing non-mining services with a mine located in Barangay Rio Tuba in Bataraza, Palawan while CBNC operates a Hydrometallurgical Processing Plant in the same location.