MANAOAG, Pangasinan – Soldiers of the 702nd Infantry (Defender) Brigade in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the local government unit (LGU) have joined hands during a 10-day tree-planting project to reforest the former New People's Army (NPA) base in San Nicolas, Pangasinan to become a productive and resilient tribal community which ended on Friday.
Forty members of the Calanguya tribe benefited from this cash-for-work project of DOLE's Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD as they planted fruit trees and other endemic local hardwood.
The livelihood program ended with a Christmas party tendered by the LGU and DOLE that provided food packs and gifts to families of the Calanguya tribe.
"It is our way sharing our blessings this Christmas. TUPAD augments their income as we pursue sustainable programs to make former NPA bases productive and resilient from all threats," Brig. Gen. Kris Mortela said.