ANTIQUE – The Indigenous People (IP) in Barangay Igcalawagan, in the town of Tobias Fornier, Antique received a livelihood program from DOLE since it is one of the hardest-hit areas of Typhoon ‘Odette’. The 15 beneficiaries of the Pantad Ati Tribe Association received 14 cattle and one carabao.
While the assistance amounting to P305,000.00 was intended to help the agri-related livelihood projects of the disadvantaged sector including the IPs.
The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. 6 through the Antique Field Office (AnFO) release the assistance at Pantad Ati Tribe Association early this year.
“We want to uplift their economic condition by providing them livelihood projects that will augment their income. We want to make them feel they are valued and deserving of government’s programs and services,” said OIC Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez, Jr.
“We thank DOLE for the livelihood assistance. It is of great help to us,” said tribe Chieftain Edna Ticuan whose husband is a recipient of the livelihood project.
The couple has 8 children 2 two of them are in college and 2 in high school.
With favorable geographical location and the herding skills of the beneficiaries, AnFO Head Carmela M. Abellar expressed hope for the success of the livelihood project.
“We are happy to make a difference in the lives of the IPs. With their ability and determination, we are looking forward that these livelihood projects will become prosperous and sustainable and will gradually improve the lives of the beneficiaries shortly,” said Ms. Abellar.
Punong Barangay Ronnie S. Noble of Brgy. Igcalawagan extended his appreciation to DOLE and expressed joy for the livelihood project of his IP constituents.
He underscored the need of the Atis and expressed his gratefulness for the help extended to them./PN
