Livelihood

Green and Clean     Livelihood

November 30, 2017 mlcares-admin

“The family is one of nature’s master pieces.” - George Santayana

Family can’t only be seen at home, who’s with you every day, but also it can be found somewhere else, in remote areas, isolated areas, and hill sides and in mountains. These people were indigenous; they were unfortunate but full of love.

Two years ago, we dreamed of raising project in remote areas here in Nueva Ecija. It was then came true when we have project in SitioBacao in Dona Josefa, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija (180 kms from Manila). SitioBacao is a small and poor community. It became a refuge of indigenous people in Palayan City. Families of Aetas were live here, scattered and isolated themselves from censorious society. Approximately the population of Aetas in this community is around 2219 and their source of living is farming and cultivating the lands. 

Aside to their source of living, also the people from this community depend on donations given by the governments and non-government organizations through outreach programs and charitable works. SitioBacao has one Chapel and Elementary School. In 2010 with the initiative of Catholic Diocese of Cabanatuan and government organization, Bacao Reforestation Center was set up. It was then headed by Fr. Chito Beltran. The Center became their gathering place specially if there are charitable works, donation to be given like of food, medicines, and clothes, and medical mission. This is also their shelter to safe keep themselves during typhoons, floods and other calamities.

The company seen the struggles of people living in this area, therefore with careful study and deliberation we end up helping the community. Since the primary source of living here is through farming, the company decided to facilitate trainings and alternative earnings to our brothers and sisters. 

We educate the people of this community, how to proper fertilized their crops, the used of organic fertilizer for farming. Look for an alternative to vigor crops and plants and harvest produce. Through training, it will help the villagers what to do to their survival activities. 

Aside for training, we also gave equipment and tools to sustain their living. We donate Farming Equipment and fertilizers to the community. These will help them a lot for their living. It doubles their harvested crops that can support their families. 

People of this community help us lift, carry and deliver the equipment in a location. Spirit of “Bayanihan” was practiced and still practicing even by the indigenous. Aetas were so grateful and thankful for the help they received coming from Mlhuillier Company.

After the training and turnover, they show us what they have learned and how to use the equipment. Their enthusiast and willingness to do such things like this are remarkable, truly they enjoyed it and it makes their work much easier.

Even the kids received a gift. The company gave them supplies. Bags, shirts, and others were distributed to them. And you can see how they appreciate it.

It was a tiring and busiest day for the staff that became part of the activity. But still, because of the help they gave and the concern and love they have felt to others specially the people of SitioBacao, these were all gone. It gives an overwhelm feeling and treasured experiences that once you became part of their lives and who knows a big change of their life. It is indeed an experience to remember.