IPs undergo alternative livelihood training amidst pandemic

Six communities of indigenous people (IPs) locally known as “Atis” in Guimaras province have beefed up the local tourism for years.

They are usually seen on the streets peddling broomsticks, amulets and agricultural and native products for their day to day living. The outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic, however, disrupted their daily routine.

Recognizing their needs and potentials, the DOLE-RO No. 6 granted Php600,000 for the skills development training on Citronella Mosquito Oil Repellant production as an alternative livelihood program.

The DOLE and the Provincial Economic Development Office/Provincial Public Employment Office (PEDO/PESO) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently trained thirty (30) direct beneficiaries on Citronella Oil production.

The other eight hundred eighty-nine (889) members of the different IP communities will be involved in other aspects of the project like Citronella propagation, product packaging and marketing.

“We believe in the capabilities of the indigenous people, if given an opportunity they could improve their standard of living,” said DOLE-RO No. 6 Regional Director Cyril L. Ticao.

Ticao added that the project can have a positive impact on local tourism on top of additional income it can generate. “The project aims to promote Ati communities and their skills in utilizing indigenous materials that could become the province’s new agri-eco tourism destination.”

To complement their training, the DOLE-RO No. 6 through the Guimaras Field Office (GFO) with OIC Head Richie Buyco and LEO II Kenneth Jun Eusebio turned-over the equipment for Citronella oil processing at Sitio Kati-Kati, Brgy. San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras.

During the turn-over ceremony, the Provincial Governor acknowledged the DOLE for helping strengthen the Ati Communities by providing an alternative livelihood.  The project, according to the Governor, can also help the province in protecting the people against dengue.  Citronella is known as a mosquito repellent.

The Provincial Government and the Office of the Representative of the Lone District of Guimaras are DOLE’s partners in the program.