Scholars under the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) of Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (CBNC) and Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC) reconnected with each other as they held their first reunion on July 5 to 6.
Faye Peralta, CBNC community relations assistant, said the two-day event gathered nearly 100 beneficiaries of the company’s scholarship program which began in 2005.
“From 2005 marami na kaming na-produce na scholars around 800 na, pero na lost track kami sa mga scholars namin, nawalan kami ng connection sa kanila,” Peralta said.
She said they want to organize the scholars into an association, she said so they can give back to their own communities.
“We want to instill sa kanila ‘yong spirit ng volunteerism and giving back to the community. Sana magkaroon din sila ng pagkakataon to help naman ‘yong community, ‘yong mga katulad nila dati na makapag-aral din o kung hindi makapag-aral, is [for them] to reach out din sa mga less fortunate na mga kabaranggay nila,” Peralta said.
Dara Mae Tuazon, head of the Bangketa Eskwela Inc. (BEI), was the event’s inspirational speaker.
BEI is a program composed of volunteers teaching the out-of-school youths in the street.
“Para ma-inspire ‘yong mga graduates na kahit pala sa maliit na paraan [kayang makatulong sa aming kmunidad],” Peralta said.
Other activities of the reunion include a tree planting activity and gift-giving to poor indigenous students.
