KITCHARAO, Agusan del Norte- On Wednesday, April 7, 2021, the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) Regional Director Atty. Marlon Bosantog in partnership with the 29th Infantry “Matatag Fighters” Battalion visited Monte de Oro Elementary School, So. Casagayan, Santiago to distribute food, boots, goods, bags and medicine to its Indigenous People (IP) residents particulary to the children of the said sitio.
Located in Brgy. Pangaylan, Santiago, Agusan del Norte, So. Casagayan is so steepy, rocky and is a two-hour ride from the main road of Brgy. Pangaylan. Also, back in the days, the said sitio is considered one of the critical areas where Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) roamed for long time. Despite how difficult and challenging the travel is, the NCIP leader crossed over rivers and brought guts to reach the place.
According to Ms. Jessa Mae Bando, Chief of Staff from the Office of the NCIP Regional Director, “We chose So. Casagayan as the beneficiary because most of its residents and particularly the students of Monte de Oro Elem. School have a majority of IPs.We are giving these gifts under the program, Handog sa mga Estudyanteng Tribu, to cater the basic needs of the students and their parents.”
According to Mr. Eddie Jusay, Former Sector Leader, “Kaniadto mga Maam ug Sir, naa gyud diri mga taga pikas pero inig naa mi makita ireport man dayon namo sa kasundaluhan dayon birahan namo. Mangisog gyud mi alang-alang sa among lugar mao nga nagapasalamat gayud kami diri kay ania mo bisan layo kaayo ug lisod kaayo ang dalan” (Back in the days, Maam and Sir, there are leftist groups who are nesting here but if we got the chance to see them we immediately report them to the military and we will take care of it. We show our bravery because this is our place and we are extending our utmost gratitude because you are here even if it is too far and the road is too difficult,”.
According to Lt.Col. Aristotle F Antonio, Acting Commanding Officer of 29IB, “We want to help, we want to make you realize the effort of our government. You are the heritage of our nation. You hold the bloodline of the original Filipino’s that was never blended with any foreign blood. We want to help you, to have a secure and safe surroundings away from exploitation and influence of the CTGs. These blessings will come one after the other if you will help us in fighting these terrorist groups.”
“To our youth, you are the next generation, perhaps you won’t be able to understand me now, but to the parents of these kids,please, help your children and protect them because they are the hope of our nation,” Antonio added.
