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RAGCOM-10: Far, but seen and heard

LAGONGLONG, Misamis Oriental (PIA)--They say democracy can only be judged on how it treats its most vulnerable inhabitants.

Last February 24, on a day declared a special non-working day in celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary, volunteers from the Regional Association of Government Communicators (RAGCOM)-10, comprising of 25 government agencies, and the Exemplar Eagles Club NMR-10 gathered at 6:00 a.m. to trek the rigorous mountainous terrain of Sitio Curnao for two hours to deliver various goods and services to a far-flung Indigenous People village.

Due to its remote location, Sitio Curnao used to be a hub for rebels in the mountains. Its forests and rivers, which look peaceful, have a history of fear, exploitation, and violence. Poor roads, bad weather, and a lack of communication lines have made it hard for the community to feel the country's rapid economic growth.

Correcting the mistakes of the past

In the past few years, though, there has been more and more talk about how hard it is for poor people to live in mountainous areas. Because of this, the government and private groups are working to improve the quality of life in remote communities through programs that build people's skills and expand infrastructure.

The RAGCOM-10's outreach program was meant to connect Sitio Curnao with the rest of Northern Mindanao. This was done to help the campaign for lasting peace and fair development. The communicators and their partners mustered whatever resources and services they could gather to answer the indigenous community’s much-needed clarion call.

RAGCOM-10. The BIR-10, CAAP, DPWH-10, BOC-10, TESDA-Misamis Oriental, 4ID, PRO-10, NTC-10, PCG-10, DTI-10, DepEd, DENR-10, DOH-10, DOLE-10, DA-10, PhilHealth NAPOLCOM, PDEA-10, PIA-10, DOST-10, DSWD-10, Minergy Corp, 58IB, PGMO, and Exemplar Eagles Club NMR10 held a Community Outreach Program in Sitio Curnao, Lagonglong. (DCC/PIA-10)

Items ranging from slippers, sacks of rice, books, seedlings, groceries, medicines, and more were given to the reserved yet welcoming community, alongside some services and a reintroduction of the government agencies involved and ways in which they could help them.

"We are here today to introduce ourselves in Sitio Curnao, to show that PhilHealth, DSWD, TESDA, BIR, PDEA, and so forth are government agencies that are ready to help and assist them, despite being far out in the mountains; they are seen and they are heard; this is a whole of nation approach to helping our fellow Filipinos." RAGCOM-10 President and PhilHealth Public Affairs Division Head Meryln Ybañez said

RAGCOM-10 President and PhilHealth Public Affairs Division Head Meryln Ybañez. (DCC/PIA-10)


About 70 indigenous people, both adults and children, who have never even left their mountain village are taking part in the outreach caravan. They are happy and interested, even though it is hot and humid on the sun's highest peak.

PJ Tadla, 40, a resident of Sitio Curnao, said the RAGCOM-10 Community Outreach and Information Caravan was the first of its kind in the village.

"Dako kaayo ako pasalamat gobyerno sa ilang gipanghatag sa Sitio Curnao, maskin layo kaayo mi, gipaningkamotan gyud mi nila nga anhion para lang makahatag sa ilang serbisyo," Tadla said.

(I am very grateful to the government for what they have given to Sitio Curnao; even though we are very far away, they really tried to come here to provide their services)

While many challenges remain, efforts such as RAGCOM-10’s voluntary outreach program offer a glimmer of hope for improving the lives of individuals residing in these communities. There is a need for continued collaboration between government agencies, private stakeholders, and local communities to ensure that the benefits of these programs are sustainable and long-lasting. (VPSB/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)

Children who have not even set foot off their mountain village gleefully and curiously engaged in the outreach caravan disregarding the humidity of the sun’s highest peak. (DCC/PIA-10)
The participating stakeholders trekked the mountainous terrain of Sitio Curnao for 2-hours to deliver various goods and services. (DCC/PIA-10)

About the Author

Vincent Philip Bautista

Information Officer-II

Region 10

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