TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion (3rd Mech Bn) and 71st Infantry Battalion (IB) established the federation of Aeta and Abelling tribes in the province of Tarlac.
It aims to amplify and unite the voice of indigenous peoples (IPs) in fostering unity, maintaining peace and security, strengthening networks, and promoting sustainable development within their communities.
3rd Mech Bn Acting Commanding Officer LtC Ryan Villar said the union is the end result of the convergence of six IP people’s organizations (POs) from the municipalities of Capas, Mayantoc, San Clemente and San Jose during the first Tarlac Indigenous POs Convention held in Camp O’Donnell.
“The convention brought together POs, national government agencies and private stakeholders to advance opportunities and livelihood for the IP communities,” he added.
“At the end of the activity, we want them to know that national government agencies have programs to support them. This is the venue to air their concerns, and to link them for future collaboration,” Villar pressed.
The convention was conceptualized through the 3rd Mech Bn’s Development Support Operations or Makabagong Bayanihan.
Moreover, Villar mentioned the consistent communication, monitoring, support and assistance of the unit through the POs’ coordinators.
“Rest assured that the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, along with the units, will continue what we started. Let us unite and do our part in achieving a quality life for everyone,” he said.
During the program, the Department of Social Welfare and Development pledged P300,000 worth of assistance each to the seven POs under its Sustainable Livelihood Program.
On another note, 71st IB Commanding Officer LtC Benny Singca highlighted the interventions of the troops to aid the IPs.
“We try to avoid the previous experiences of having unsustainable projects. Hopefully, after this we will have self-sustaining IP communities because we really want to improve their life,” he noted.
71st IB’s assistance to POs include the provision of skills training on souvenir making for the residents of Sitio Dueg, San Clemente; and construction of houses, donation of solar lights and increase of literacy rate of Sitio Lawin in Mayantoc.
Singca explained that soldiers with a degree in education taught some of the residents of Sitio Lawin how to read and write.
He then encouraged the POs to maximize all the available opportunities and assistance.
“Let us take advantage of this opportunity given by our national line agencies to improve our livelihood. We have been waiting for this. So, take advantage of it. Let us organize ourselves. Let us unite ourselves for a common goal to have a progressive and productive people’s organizations,” Singca said.
For his part, newly-elected president of the Federation of Tarlac Indigenous People’s Organization Johnny Basilio underscored the importance of alliance and cooperation between the IP communities and the government.
“I am elated because we gathered here, along with the government agencies, toward one goal and one voice of unity. I urge all the members of this federation to stick together in backing-up the peace and development programs of the government,” he stated.
A total of 267 members of Solid Indigenous New Adventures Guide, Sitio Tala-San Jose Farmers Association, and Tangan-Tangan Abelling Tribe Organization of San Jose; Tambayan Agriculture Cooperative of Capas; Labney Tribe Organization of Mayantoc; and Indigenous People Center of Agriculture and Resources of Economic Development of San Clemente joined the convention.
Assorted food packs and grocery items were distributed to the participants after the assembly.
SOURCE: Trixie Joy B. Manalili PIA3
