JORDAN, Guimaras – Six communities of the indigenous people (IP) Atis in the island province of Guimaras have beefed up the local tourism for years.
They are usually seen on the streets peddling broomsticks, amulets, agricultural and native products for their day-to-day living.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, however, disrupted their daily routine.
Recognizing their needs and potentials, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 6 granted P600,000 for the skills development training on citronella mosquito oil repellent production as an alternative livelihood program.
DOLE and the Provincial Economic Development Office / Provincial Public Employment Office (PEDO/PESO), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), recently trained 30 direct beneficiaries on citronella oil production.
The other 889 members of various IP communities will be involved in other aspects of the project like citronella propagation, product packaging and marketing.
“We believe in the capabilities of the indigenous people. If given an opportunity they could improve their standard of living,” said DOLE regional director Cyril Ticao.
The project can have a positive impact on local tourism, too, on top of additional income it can generate. It aims to promote Ati communities and their skills in utilizing indigenous materials that could become the province’s new agri-eco tourism destination.
To complement their training, DOLE-6 through the Guimaras Field Office (GFO) with OIC head Richie Buyco turned over the equipment for Citronella oil processing in Sitio Kati-Kati, Barangay San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras.
During the turnover ceremony, the provincial governor acknowledged DOLE for helping strengthen the Ati communities by providing an alternative livelihood.
The project, according to the governor, can also help the province in protecting the people against dengue. Citronella is known as a mosquito repellent.
The provincial government and the Office of the Representative of the Lone District of Guimaras are DOLE’s partners in the program./PN
