BY: VANESSA BUGTONG
Narrow, steep, and rocky, this was the challenge faced by the Raffy Tulfo in Action – Northern Luzon Center, led by George Mendoza Punasen, to reach the remote Barangay Tacadang in Kibungan, Benguet.
Life in this area is simple, with agriculture as the primary livelihood for its residents.
Though the area has electricity, houses are situated far apart, prompting some residents to request streetlights for their community.
This concern was addressed by the group led by George Punasen.
Carrying with them ten solar lights, they delivered these to the barangay.
“We are truly grateful for your unexpected visit and for the things you brought to our barangay. Thank you for providing what our community needs here in Tacadang,” said Kagawad Jun Apidos.
Yesterday, January 27, they began installing the donated solar lights.
Apidos expressed, “May God bless you and us so that these lights you brought will be used well to brighten our barangay, our place here in Tacadang.”
George Mendoza Punasen, Raffy Tulfo in Action – Northern Luzon Center, stated, “Tacadang is well-known as a tourist spot, and I encourage everyone to visit. Aside from these solar lights, we also brought kitchen utensils for the barangay.”
For the first time, the group visited Barangay Tacadang and expressed plans to address more needs of the residents in the area.
“I’ve been on missions in Mindanao, covering almost the entire region. Now I’ve seen some areas here in Benguet with challenging roads and conditions that need attention. There are still a lot of areas here in Benguet that require care,” Punasen added.
Aside from solar lights, the group also distributed bread, clothing, and other essentials for the barangay.
The group assured residents that this will not be the last time they extend assistance to the community.