BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
Amid rough roads and long hours of travel, the provincial government of Pangasinan brought much-needed services directly to indigenous communities in remote areas of the province.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III and First Lady Maan Guico of the Pangasinan First Spouses League recently visited members of the Eowak tribe and other indigenous peoples in Barangay Barlo, located in the towns of Mabini and San Nicolas.
The visit aimed to personally deliver assistance and programs to communities classified as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).
“We are grateful for this support, especially for our farmers. This is something we will remember,” said Arnel Santiago, chieftain of the Barlo Tribal Organization.
Pastor Felixfrey Lorenzon of the Eowak Earth Savers Association expressed deep appreciation as well, noting that Governor Guico was the first official to ever reach their area. “We thought no one noticed us because of our location, but the provincial government proved us wrong,” he said.
Along with the delivery of aid, the governor also consulted residents about their other needs, ensuring these would be included in the provincial government’s upcoming plans and initiatives.
Through this outreach, the provincial government reaffirmed its commitment that no Pangasinense—no matter how far—will be left behind.
