PGLU conducts IP Caravan

November 4, 2017 Community Billboard

In celebration of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Week in the province of La Union and the 20th Year Anniversary of the Indigenous People Rights Act (IPRA Law, Republic Act 8371), the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) led by Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III held a whole day IP Development Caravan on October 27, 2017 in Santol, La Union.
The program was organized with Governor Pacoy’s priority of providing assistance and support to the programs that empower the indigenous peoples to ensure their continuing development and growth.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Maria Annabelle S. De Guzman, chairman of the SP Committee on People’s Organizations, Indigenous People’s Organizations, and Non-Government Organizations, spoke of a message of love where she also sang an Iloko version of the song “The More We Get Together,” emphasizing more on the importance of working together as family.
1st District Representative Pablo C. Ortega, through his representative, communicated the openness of his office to address the needs of the indigenous peoples of La Union. He said that they are very much welcome to approach his office for assistance.
Provincial Administrator Dr. Geoffrey S. Tilan, SP Member Maria Annabelle S. De Guzman, Santol Mayor Magno A. Wailan, and other elected officials actively took part in the cultural dance performance presented during the program.
The IP Development Caravan program was conducted in partnership with several national line agencies and had numerous activities including medical-dental services, distribution of land titles, orientation on IP-related services of regional line agencies, and distribution of assorted seedlings and vegetable seeds.
The chiefs of the district hospitals under the PGLU personally rendered their medical services to attendees in need. An open forum discussing the services available to the indigenous people was also conducted by the different agencies present. MARCEL A. FLORENTINO, PITO-LA UNION / ABN