RTNFI-GK Community Organizers, Sibol Teachers attend Community Growth Map Training
By: Marlyn Importante

Bataraza, Palawan, January 9, 2018 – Gawad Kalinga and RTN Foundation, Inc., the corporate foundation of Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Company (RTNMC) spearheaded the Facilitators Training for Community Growth Map in eight (8) GK villages sponsored by the RTNMC and Coral Bay Nickel Company (CBNC) in Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan. RTN Foundation, Inc. put up these RTNMC-CBNC GK villages in Bataraza specifically to cater to the Indigenous People.

Mr. Edwin Nerva, Executive Director of RTNFI, said “We are very pleased to partner with Gawad Kalinga in helping us prepare the communities in Bataraza to become independent.” The company is not only advocating responsible mining but also promoting sustainable communities. Aside from housing, they have also provided the community with a pre-school program (Sibol School), hospital facility and livelihood programs.

Recently the Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC) was honored as an “environment champion” by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) during the 25th year anniversary of the Strategic Environmental Plan Act in the province of Palawan. It has also been chosen as the Philippine’s entry to the first ever ASEAN Minerals Awards in the Category of “Best Practices in Mineral Mining.” The ASEAN Minerals Award (AMA) is established to honor mining companies from the ASEAN communities for their contributions in the advancement of responsible and environment-friendly mining.

Last October 2017, the RTNFI-GK volunteers conducted the Community Impact Assessment (CIAS)in the local communities in the areas of Bataraza, Bohoy, Bongkol-bongkol, Culimbawang, Kinurong, Kulantuod, Ocayan and Sandoval, where the GK villages are located. CIAS is a listening tool of GK, utilizing survey through household interviews. It is an effective tool to evaluate the needs and values of the existing homeowners.

During the training the CIAS data was presented to the participants composed of RTNFI-GK Community Organizers, Sibol teachers and the Palawan State University Social Worker interns who regularly visit the GK communities. The training was intended to assist the facilitators in asking the right question for effective community interaction and planning. At the end of the training, the participants were now certified and are prepared to listen, facilitate community planning and share the gift of presence to the eight RTNMC-CBNC GK villages.

"Be the Message. Together let's convert faith into action, love into sharing, hope into hard work." - Kuya Luis