Chicken firms donate stripping machines to ‘Agta’ communities

By Keren Anne Bernadas

NAGA CITY --- Several Agta and Agta-Tabangnon indigenous cultural communities from Buhi, Camarines Sur and Tiwi, Albay received abaca stripping machines from the country’s prominent chicken companies, Chooks-to-Go and Bounty Fresh Food Inc. on Monday, May 29.

The said turnover of agri-technologies was conducted at Maguindara Resort, Buhi, Camarines Sur.

Dr. Erasmus J. Paderes, the Senior Vice President for South Luzon Operations at Chooks-to-Go said that this initiative represents an ongoing commitment of their company to contribute to the government’s livelihood programs across different sectors in the country. These efforts aim to provide support to indigenous peoples, military retirees, wounded soldiers, and rebel returnees.

This ceremony was made possible through the partnership and coordination of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), together with the 9th Infantry “Spear” Division of the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and the local government units, said NCIP Bicol Regional Director Agosto Maglunsod.

The machines were transported to Buhi, Camarines Sur from the province of Zamboanga with the logistical help from the uniformed personnel under the leadership of 9th ID Commanding General, MGen. Adonis R. Bajao.

The IP leaders who received the donations conveyed their deepest appreciation for the invaluable livelihood assistance and contributions provided to them.

Buhi Mayor Rey P. Lacoste also said his words of gratitude for the agricultural aid that both the private and the national government agencies provided for the IP communities living in their municipality.

NCIP Chair Allen A. Capuyan, who virtually joined the ceremony, highlighted the importance of the “whole-of-nation-approach” which emphasized the collaborative and shared goals and efforts of all sectors in the Philippines to achieve a unified, progressive, and developed nation.

Other officials who joined the said activity were Atty. Rhodex P. Valenciano, the Ethnographic Commissioner for Region III and the rest of Luzon, Glenda Alcantara Pua, the acting Bureau Director of NCIP Office on Socio-Economic Services and Special Concerns (OSESSC), Asuncion Rellon, NCIP Bicol – Technical Management and Services Division staff and Maribel G. Dato, DMO II of OSESSC. (PIA5/Camarines Sur)