Hedcor provides livelihood assistance to IPs in Bukidnon

Hedcor has distributed P400,000 worth of livelihood assistance to the indigenous peoples in its host communities in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. This is part of Hedcor’s commitment to uplift and strengthen the development of the IPs and their own communities.

Abaca production and free-range chicken farming are among the income opportunities extended to the beneficiaries.

Hedcor aims to help IPs maximize the use of their ancestral agricultural lands and turn it into productive, profitable, self-sustained and developed resilient agricultural enterprises. “Hedcor espouses a sustainable approach to address the needs of the IP communities through livelihood programs, at the same time promoting greater food productivity,” Hedcor President and COO Roland Pacquiao said.

Hedcor also trained the IP cooperatives’ members to equip them on project sustainability management. Barangay Guilang-Guilang Tribal Chieftain Datu Honorio Sumohoy expressed his gratitude to Hedcor for the assistance. "Our gratitude is immeasurable. Because of this opportunity that you gave us, we commit ourselves to strive hard to take care of this project and make it grow," he said.

IP cooperatives and organizations that received said livelihood provision are the Buklod Kayantang Tribal Association Inc.;, Impakibel Apo Man Asilan Tribal Association;, Santiago Tribal Community (SANTRICO), Inc.; and Guilang-Guilang Apo Datu Nanikunan Association, Incorporated.

The turnover of livelihood assistance was conducted during the first ever Manolo Fortich Livelihood Summit in Bukidnon.