6 #KwentongBABAYEnihan in Brgy. Maria Aurora, Aurora

BABAYEnihan against COVID-19 has reached Brgy. Bayanihan, Maria Aurora, Aurora!

Most of the Ilongot people in Aurora Province live in Brgy. Bayanihan, Maria Aurora. This is the only landlocked municipality in the province. The Ilongot women are farmers and vegetable growers. For those who do not have lands, they are tenant farmers. A lot of them also work as household help for other families; while their husbands work as construction workers. On normal days, the Ilongot women are comfortable with their source of food, and have enough cash for other basic needs. But when the lockdown happened, their families who rely on daily wage, became really worried and insecure with their daily food.  After a month, their vegetable gardens could no longer provide for their family needs. 

The government support - through the relief packs and the SAP or Social Amelioration Program - caused more harm than good among the different communities.  The distribution of SAP was "politicized" according to them, as only those favored by the barangay officials received. While in some instances, the rules of distribution were simply not clear, or fair. Some of the senior women did not receive SAP because they were told that they are already receiving their monthly pension for indigent senior citizens. But the last pension that they received was last December. They felt discriminated against more than ever. 

It is why the BABAYEnihan support was truly appreciated by the Ilongot women, as it meant food for at least a few more days, and more importantly, they felt cared for.  

For those who keep supporting BABAYEnihan, thank you! LILAK and the Ilongot women feel the love!                

We will continue to share with you stories and photos when available of how your support has reached our indigenous women partners and their families.