Remote IP community in Agusan Sur receives gifts from young professionals
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — The barangay local government of Purisima in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, in partnership with Marlon’s Angels Youth Apostolate (MAYA), organized a gift-giving drive for the indigenous peoples (IP) in Sitio Liberty on December 29.
MAYA is a non-government organization (NGO) composed of young professionals of San Roque Parish from Sta. Irene, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
A total of 40 grocery packs containing rice, canned goods, and toiletries were shared to the beneficiaries. Spaghetti meals were also distributed to the children, along with loot bags filled with candies and other sweets for them to enjoy.
“This gift-giving drive is part of giving back to the community as we continue to have work and opportunities. It is part of serving the community and being able to encourage other youth to share their blessings,” said Ian Dave Paler, MAYA president.
“Ako mapasalamaton sa kalit na grasya nga niabot sa amoa. Wala kami magdahom nga adunay mga kabatan-onan nga magpaabot sa ilahang mga abot, tungod sa kalayo sa amoang Sitio. (I am grateful for the unexpected grace that came to us. We did not expect that there would be a group of young people who would share their blessings despite the distance of our place),” said Rosalyn Nautan, 52 years old and a resident of the said sitio.
“Dakong tabang kining among nadawat karon kay sa kalayo sa amoang lugar makalibre na mi sa oras nga amoang iadto sa sentro para mamalit” (What we received today is a great help because our place is remote. At least, for this, we spared from travel cost, and time to go to the barangay to buy these supplies), she added.
Meanwhile, the IP community in Sitio Liberty is also benefiting from the government’s ongoing 36.90-kilometer road project, connecting Sta. Irene, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, to San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, which aims to improve accessibility and support inclusive development in the area. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur)
