FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The Diteki Indigenous People’s (IP) Association in San Luis, Aurora received P50,000 livelihood assistance from the local government unit (LGU) and the military recently.
The IP group will use the cash aid as starting capital for a rice store in their community.
Lt. Col. Julito Recto Jr., commander of the Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion, assured during the handover ceremony that the military and the LGU would help the group sustain their livelihood.
“In close collaboration with Mayor Ariel de Jesus, we are instruments in uplifting the lives of the tribal community as part of our food security initiatives. My request to them is to make their ‘Bigasan’ store grow for their own benefit,” Recto said.
De Jesus said that the LGU is always ready to help the community become productive and successful entrepreneurs.
Diteki IPs Association President Rona Querijero thanked De Jesus and Recto for extending livelihood assistance to them.
“We are grateful for the help extended to us, without the effort of the Philippine Army, this assistance would have not been a reality. This will surely help us start a business to support our daily needs,” she said.