LAGONGLONG, Misamis Oriental (PIA)--Ann Macabecha dreams of becoming a policewoman.
It was expected for kids her age in Sitio Curnao, Barangay Umagos, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental to aspire to become uniformed personnel as military personnel visibly roamed their village to ensure peace in the area. Sitio Curnao may be a quiet, upland village with 22 households, but it was previously a conflict-affected area and a former haven for terrorist groups.
Sitio Curnao has no electricity or cellular service, and its only mode of transportation is by foot or horseback, however, Ann remained bubbly and positive about her outlook in life. Now in fourth grade, she works toward her dream by walking to school for an hour every day. On weekends, she would help her family collect coconuts and sell them at P20 per kilo. A portion of the sale will become Ann’s allowance for school.
Ann was one of 72 kids who got small school supplies from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-10, February 24, 2023, at Sitio Curnio, Barangay Umagos, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental, during the Information and Basic Services Caravan.
Through the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-10 and in collaboration with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) of the Philippine Army, the Regional Association for Government Communicators (RAGCOM)-10 put together the caravan.It was meant to help rebuild the community and change people's lives through a whole-of-nation approach.
Different line agencies, stakeholders, and non-governmental organizations that provided various essential services to the Sitio Curnao neighborhood and its surrounding communities also took part in it.
In addition to the school supplies, DTI-10 provided the children with vernacular information-education materials on the eight consumer rights and five consumer responsibilities to educate the children into becoming empowered consumers by teaching them their consumer rights and responsibilities at a young age.
Leopoldo Cadano, Jr., one of the beneficiaries, expressed how grateful he is for the assistance received for his family, including the school supplies for his five-year-old grandson.
"Malipayon kaayo ming mga tao diri nga nahatagan mi sa mga nagkalain-laing ahensya sa gobyerno. Dako kaayo akong pasalamat (We are very happy for the assistance given by the different government agencies. I am very grateful)." (DTI-10/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)
