OFFICIALS of Clark Development Corporation (CDC), together with representatives from National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-Central Luzon, and 21 tribal chieftains from Indigenous Peoples (IPs) communities near Clark Freeport recently convened to discuss updates on CADT 025-A Indigenous Peoples Structure (IPS) and IP Organization (IPO) formation.
In a meeting held on July 14, 2021, at the Clark Skills and Training Center, CDC President and CEO Manuel Gaerlan vowed to continuously help uplift the lives of the IP communities near Clark Freeport.
Gaerlan said the CDC also intends to foster inclusive development that would benefit everyone, including members of the IP group.
“Pag aasenso yung paligid, gusto namin pati kayo aasenso rin. Ang purpose po kasi ng BCDA (Bases Conversion and Development Authority) law, kung saan nagsimulang maitatag ang CDC, isa sa mga adhikain nito ay maitaas ang antas ng kabuhayan ng mamayan,” Gaerlan said, referring to the tribal chieftains who attended the meeting.
The meeting, which was conducted in a hybrid format, was also attended by CDC External Affairs Division (EAD) Assistant Vice President Rommel Narciso. Other participants joined the activity through video conferencing.
Meanwhile, NCIP-Central Luzon Planning Officer Kevin Constantine Fonseca shared the importance of the Indigenous Peoples Structure and the formation of the Indigenous Peoples Organization. Fonseca represented NCIP Regional Director Rolando Calde.
“The main goal of this is to represent the community to the Joint Development Committee o yung JDC,” Fonseca said.
Some tribal chieftains from Tarlac attended the activity. These include Berto Sumawang, Michael Lundang, Joel Cosme, Rading Sibal, and Noel Lundang from Barangay Anupul. Oscar Dizon, Francisco Taraza, Fermin Margarita, Laila Sanchez, and Berting Garcia represented the sitios in Barangay Sto. Nino. Bernie Mallari from Malaba; Dionisio Salaria, Tacio Candul, and Carlo Tolentino from San Vicente, Bamban Tarlac were also present.
Mabalacat City tribal chieftains also participated in the event. Ruvielaine Margarito, Marissa Tanglao, Roy Tanglao, Myline Tolentino, Willy Pangilinan, Greg Margarito, and Roque Laxamana are among them.
The CDC has initiated a number of activities and projects to ensure the wellbeing of IP communities near this Freeport. These initiatives include, among other things, livelihood, education, and health care. (PR)