Zamboanga City, Feb. 07 (PIA) -- The Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation Inc. (JVOFI) together with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 distributed relief goods to 100 families from the Indigenous People (IP) community in Barangay Bolong here recently.

Most of the IPs were identified from Sama Bangingi and Yakan tribes respectively who were greatly affected by the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis.

“With this little help from us, I hope you will receive this with all of your hearts,” JVOFI representative Mr. Richard “Hart” Paragas said during the distribution of food packs.

Mr. Paragas encouraged the beneficiaries to always be supportive to the efforts of the government specifically in advocating COVID-19 vaccination roll-out on ground and be appreciative to the programs being laid out for IP communities in the city.

“We should help the government fulfilling its goals because it is always for our good,” Mr. Paragas added.

The Project Embrace of JVOFI aims to provide assistance to IPs in far-flung areas and is looking forward to help more of the vulnerable and marginalized sectors in the region as the COVID-19 active cases is still surging.

Moreover, PIA-9 Assistance Regional Director Rene V. Carbayas shared the significance of the government programs for its people to be benefited and has informed the public to only patronize truthful information as well don’t be deceived by fake news.

“Sa aming hanay na nasa impormasyon at komunikasyon, araw-araw po naming nilalabanan ang fake news. Maging makilatis po tayo sa bawat impormasyon na natatanggap,” PIA-9 ARD Rene V. Carbayas said.

The community really expressed gratitude to the foundation and for the presence of the government in their community.

“We are really thankful and this is the first time we received help from a foundation,” IPMR Yassin Julaili disclosed. (NBE/JRA/PIA9-Zamboanga City)