VIGAN CITY (PIA) - - To celebrate his first 100 days in office, Vice Gov. Ryan Luis V. Singson led an outreach program intended to help the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community of Barangay Alfonso, Gregorio Del Pilar, Ilocos Sur on Oct. 8.

The office of Vice Governor Singson partnered with the Philippine Navy Reserve Force BCMC Class 05-2022 or Class "Bagwis" to reach far-flung communities in the province and provide assistance according to the needs they have requested.

The group awarded wheelchairs to the PWDs, vitamins and hygiene kits to the children and senior citizens, school supplies to the students, sports equipment to the Sangguniang Kabataan, farm tools/equipment to the farmers, and food packs to all the residents.

Armando Boromeo, chairperson of Barangay Alfonso, expressed his gratitude to the office of Vice Governor Singson as he chose their community to be the venue of his first 100th-day celebration.

“Kahit malayo ang aming barangay, pinili niyo kaming bisitahin at bigyan ng tulong. Sana hindi kayo magsawa na pahalagahan ang aming barangay. Maraming salamat!” Boromeo said.

According to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in Ilocos Sur, 95 percent of the population of Barangay Alfonso are IP members.

It was chosen by the office of Vice Governor Singson as the pilot of its community service to also celebrate National IP Month this October.

During the activity, an IP group performed a traditional ethnic dance showcasing their heritage and culture.

They then asked for a new set of Gongs or “Gangsa” which will be used for feasts, ceremonies, and/or rituals.

It was immediately approved by Singson as he mentioned the importance of keeping culture alive to be passed to the generations to come.

“Magtutuloy-tuloy ang programang ito hindi lamang dahil sa first 100th day celebration natin. Pupunta tayo sa mga malalayong barangay, ating aalamin ang mga kailangan nilang tulong at gagawin natin ang lahat ng ating makakaya upang maibigay ang mga ito,” the vice governor said.

He added, “Kasama ko ngayon ang batchmates ko sa Class ‘Bagwis’  hindi lamang upang magbigay ng tulong kundi ay upang manghikayat  sa mga kabataan na suportahan ang programa ng reserve force lalo itong proposed implementation ng Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Program sa senior high school ni Vice President Sara Duterte bilang DepEd Secretary.”

Singson was also joined by his wife, Patch Savellano-Singson, who is also a member of the Class Bagwis. (JCR/JPD/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)