TUBO, Abra - At least 65 families of the Maeng tribe in the far-flung and conflict-affected community in Tubo, Abra benefited from a community pantry organized by the troops of the 71st Infantry (KAIBIGAN) Battalion.

The families received assorted vegetables and two kilos of rice each.

The JCI Manila also distributed schools supplies such as notebooks, pencils, crayons, and coloring books to the parents of the school children-beneficiaries.

Fifteen households also received solar lights donated by Team Hamog Riders group headed by Philippine Navy Commander Rudy Curray (Ret).

Lieutenant Colonel Sonny E. Gonzales, Commanding Officer of 71IB, said their initiative in Brgy. Tabacda, Tubo  is in line with the “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko” program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that aims to assist the vulnerable sectors especially in  this time of COVID-19 pandemic.

Beneficiaries extended their appreciation for efforts to reach out to the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) and to share  their  blessings especially to the indigenous children.

“Thank you Kaibigan troopers and JCI Manila sa walang sawa ninyong supporta sa amin dito sa Brgy Tabacda, lalong lalo na sa CSP teams na hindi nagsasawa na makipagtulungan sa amin na mga barangay officials para ma-ipaabot ang aming hinaing sa mga government agencies. Malaking tulong po itong activity na ginawa nila ngayon lalong lalo na ngayong panahon ng pandemya, 'di ko po inaasahan na magkakaroon ng ganitong programa dito sa amin lalo na’t napakaliblib po dito sa aming lugar. Maraming maraming salamat po talaga,” said Barangay Chairman Pilbert Pingian.

LtCol Gonzales, meanwhile, extended his gratitude to JCI Manila for the partnership in addressing the school supply needs of the IP children and to the community of Barangay Tabacda.

“Your assistance is very much appreciated. Indeed, JCI Manila, Team Hamog Riders Group and the Kaibigan’s effort will motivate every child to pursue education despite their difficult situation and to the community that fully supporting our advocacy. We may continue our partnership to help more children in the hinterland barangays of Abra,”  LtCol Gonzales said.

Major General Alfredo V. Rosario Jr.,  Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army,  cited the strong partnership of the Army with its stakeholders that is reaching and helping  more conflict-affected IP communities in Abra.

“Sa bawat programa na ating pinapatupad sa mga kumonidad katuwang ang ating mga stakeholders, baon namin ang sinseridad na mapaglingkuran kayo. Pinapatibay namin ang aming ugnayan sa aming mga partner-stakeholders upang mas marami pa tayong maabot na kumonidad lalong lalo na ang ating mga tribu diyan sa kabundukan ng Abra,” said MGen. Rosario Jr. (71IB, 71ID, PA)