06/06/2026
18 πππππππππ πππππππππ ππππππππ πππππ πππ ππππππ ππππππππ
For 16 days, 18 determined residents of Barangay Bulalacao gathered each day with a common goal - to learn a new skill that could open doors to better opportunities and a brighter future.
When the Bread and Pastry Production Training started on May 19, many of the participants had little to no knowledge of baking. Some could barely identify baking tools and equipment, while others had never attempted to make bread or pastries before. Yet, day after day, they showed up eager to learn, listen, and practice.
By the end of the training, the transformation was remarkable. The once hesitant learners had become confident bakers capable of producing various bread and pastry products. More importantly, they had gained the confidence to pursue new livelihood opportunities using the skills they acquired. Everybody was excited about what lies ahead.
βMy husband told me to start right away and use the skills I learned to put up a business,β shared trainee Rosalinda Navaraa with a smile, reflecting the optimism shared by many of her fellow participants.
The training was conducted by the Puerto Princesa School of Science and Technology (PPSST) through the request of Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (CBNC) to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
For the participants, the training was more than just learning how to bake.
βNapakahalaga po ng natutunan namin sa training na ito. Hatid po nito ang maraming oportunidad lalo na po sa grupo ng mga kababaihan dito sa Barangay Bulalacao. Lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat sa CBNC sa pagkakataong ito na ibinigay sa amin, sa mga nagturo po sa amin mula sa PPSST at TESDA, at sa suporta po na ibinigay ng aming barangay,β said Jhenny Ann Agustin.
During the graduation ceremony, Laurence Amores, Section Head of Community Relations of CBNC, congratulated the participants for the dedication and commitment they demonstrated throughout the 16-day training.
On the other hand, Mr. Bernie Martinez emphasized that the program forms part of CBNCβs continuing efforts to prepare local communities for sustainable opportunities beyond the company's operations. In his speech Mr. Martinez jokingly remarked - βPag wala na ang βCB,β at least meron na kayong βNC.ββ The joke drew laughter from the participants, but it also carried a meaningful message. While CBNC continues to operate and contribute to community development, the company is also helping residents acquire skills that can sustain them in the future. For the trainees, the βNCβ refers to the National Certificate that could soon become their passport to employment and entrepreneurship.
On the final day of the training, the participants underwent competency assessment administered by TESDA. If successful, they will receive the National Certificate II (NC II) in Bread and Pastry Production, a nationally recognized qualification that can help them secure jobs or start their own businesses.
The graduates came from diverse sectors of the community, including Indigenous Peoples, women's associations, religious groups, farmers' organizations, youth groups, and Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs).
As they proudly received their certificates of completion, the graduates carried home more than newly acquired baking skills. They brought with them renewed confidence, fresh opportunities, and the belief that with determination and the right support, a new chapter in life can begin with something as simple as a roll of bread fresh from the oven.
π·: CBNC
