Among the beneficiaries of the machines are the IP communities of Bayog, Labangan, Mahayag, and Lison Valley in Zamboanga del Sur, along with IP communities of Tampilisan and Roxas in Zamboanga del Norte.
Abaca also referred to as “Manila Hemp”, is known for its strong and quality fiber used for various industrial purposes. These fibers are continually harnessed for producing handicrafts like bags, a manufacturing practice that remains active in Mahayag and other municipalities in Zamboanga del Sur.
Bangat Gukom Lucenio Manda, representing the community in Bayog, expressed deep gratitude for the machine they received.
“Nagpasalamat kami sa Chooks-to-Go ug sa NCIP sa pagfacilitate ani hangtod naabot sa amo kay dako kaayo ning tabang sa among katawhan. Although ang abaca kay laborious, pero daghan kaayong tawo ang makatrabaho,” he said.
(We are grateful to Chooks-to-Go and NCIP for facilitating this until it reached us, as this has been a huge help to our people. Although abaca cultivation is laborious, it has provided employment opportunities for many individuals.)
The Bounty Fresh and Chooks-to-Go, as one of NCIP’s partner stakeholders in providing socio-economic initiatives to ICCs/IPs, are the benefactors of this project.
