IP group gets livelihood assistance in Aurora

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – An Indigenous People’s  (IP) Association from the Municipality of San Luis, Aurora received P50,000 worth of livelihood cash assistance during a simple hand-over ceremony held last Friday, January 13.

Said assistance for Diteki IP Association was awarded by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Luis together with the 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion (9IB), Philippine Army.

Lt. Col. Julito Recto Jr., Commanding Officer of 91IB, expressed his support to the IP group and assured that his unit along with the LGU and other government agencies are there to guide them to make their livelihood sustainable.

“In close collaboration with Mayor Ariel de Jesus, we are instruments in uplifting the lives of the tribal community as part of our food security initiatives. My request to them is to make their “Bigasan” store grow for their own benefit,” he said.

On the other hand, Mayor de Jesus ensured that the LGU is always ready to help the tribes become productive and successful business entrepreneurs.

“Ang dalangin ko lang po, nawa ay mapalago nila ang kanilang puhunan at nandiyan naman ang 91IB para tumulong gayundin ang iba’t-ibang ahensiya ng pamahalaan,” de Jesus said.

Diteki IPs Association President Rona Querijero thanked Mayor de Jesus and Lt. Col. Recto for the livelihood assistance extended to them.

“We are grateful for the help extended to us, IPs. Without the effort of the Philippine Army, this assistance would have not been a reality. This will surely help us start a business to support our daily needs,” she said.

Maj. Gen. Andrew Costelo, Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army commended the strong partnership of the LGU San Luis and the 91IB in assisting the IP community in their municipality.

“This initiative is a good start for the IP group for 2023. We hope that all members will work together for their business to grow and that everyone will benefit from its gain. We support this kind of sustainable livelihood program for the people,” said Maj. Gen. Costelo.