As the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, members of the Philippine Nickel Industry Association have donated more than P38 million of their social development management program fund to help COVID-19 front liners and their host communities.
PNIA members donated over 20,300 units of medical supplies including facemasks, personal protective equipment (PPEs), digital thermal scanners, vitamins, and other medical and disinfection supplies to local government units and various non-government organisations.
Test kits were likewise donated to help fast track rapid testing efforts of local government units in Metro Manila and other selected cities in the country.
They have also provided assistance to key hospitals in Metro Manila and to more than 66,200 households in CARAGA, Zambales, and Palawan.
“We try our best to keep our commitment to our host communities especially during these trying times. It’s definitely a challenging time for our business operations but our local communities are our partners throughout the years and saving lives is our priority right now,” said Dante R. Bravo, president of PNIA.
PNIA has provided 31,800 food packs and over 26,960 sacks of rice to their host communities. Mining companies also organized transportation for displaced individuals, set up disinfection tents and facilitated disinfection drives in the area.
Other PNIA members likewise sourced majority of their fresh produce from local farmers and other goods from local establishments to help reinvigorate the region’s economy.