PCM reaches far-flung Lumad village

PCM reaches far-flung Lumad village

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (9 April 2015) - A Blaan community in Gensan thanked the People's Champ Movement (PCM) for visiting their hard-to-reach place on Thursday (April 7).

Blaans of the Calatao Village in barangay Tambler were elated as the candidates of the PCM, led by re-electionist Mayor Ronnel Rivera, visited them.

Calatao Village is located on the top of the farthest hills of Tambler. When you are in the place, you can have a clear view of the General Santos City International Airport as well the soon-to-be-finished Airport-Fishport diversion road.

But the road going to the village is unpaved and filled with thick lahar, making it hard to traverse.

Dwellers there are all farmers, planting mountain crops and staples.

When the PCM candidates arrived in Calatao, they were welcomed by the elders of the community.

The ones who arrived were Vice Mayor Shirlyn Bañas, Rosalita Nuñez (incumbent councilor), Brix Tan (incumbent councilor), Shandee Llido (incumbent councilor), Atty. Edmar Yumang, Atty. Jun Lagare, Dr. Love Ladrera, Jonathan Blando, and Van-van Congson.

Juanito Kindat, the city's indigenous people mandatory representative (IPMR), also came to greet his fellow Blaans.

They hosted a small feast for their visitors, made livelier by the Blaan's traditional performances.

"We are really so happy that we saw the mayor of Gensan. It is really our first time to see the mayor and city councilors. Even though how far our village is, they still came," one community elder said.

A brief speaking engagement took place where the mayor and the PCM candidates laid down what services they can offer for Calatao Village.

"You have seen our sincerity in giving service to our Lumads. A proof of that is the presence of the late Mario Empal and now Juanito Kindat as your IPMRs in the Sangguniang Panlungsod. They are the ones who represent your cause in the city council," Rivera explained in vernacular.

"We want every Lumad here in the city to be given equal opportunity in education and employment. We want you to be acknowledged that is why we have the city's celebration of Blaan Day."

"But I know those are still not enough. That is why we are here so that we can address your concerns," Rivera said.

Most of their requests are the electrification of their community, as well as the installation of water systems. The city officials and candidates assured that these concerns will be granted.

More specifically, the two lawyers--Atty. Edmar Yumang and Atty. Jun Lagare--offered their expertise to the IP community if in case they have problems on land disputes and other legal matters. (RCR Media)