SOME 250 half cavans of rice grown in the hinterlands of Tinglayan, Kalinga were delivered to Itogon, Benguet on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.
The rice cavans were distributed to 250 family-beneficiaries in Itogon, who were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The local government of Tinglayan in a statement said it is making sure that the welfare of its people is secured even if they are far from the municipality.
It added that Itogon, Benguet is on lockdown due to positive cases of the coronavirus, making it difficult for them to access basic needs.
“May this LGU action inspire also our people in Itogon, Benguet to show our practice of ‘finnachang’ to each other. It is in this time of crisis that the observance of our tribal values is needed the most,” the LGU added.
"Finnachang" is Bayanihan or community unity and cooperation.
The donation came after Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan appealed to the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Cordillera Administrative Region to provide additional relief packs to residents affected by the lockdown.
In the last Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force for Covid-19 meeting at the Benguet Capitol, Palangdan noted 90 percent of Covid-19 cases in the town are from Kalinga.
As of November 10, the Municipal Health Office of Itogon recorded 332 active Covid-19 cases and 296 recoveries.
Personnel of the health office continues to test close contacts of previously confirmed cases.
Households in Sitio Bagueng, including sitios Timberyard, First Gate, Skyview, Anonang, Police Station Area, PC Barracks, Upper Staff area of Camanggaan, Balatoc, in Barangay Virac and parts of Acupan, are still on lockdown.
Barangays Ampucao and Gumatdang are also on lockdown and have placed checkpoints as preventive measures.
The temporarily restricted access between Itogon and Baguio is still in effect.