A newly constructed storage facility was officially turned over to the Imalawa tribal community in remote sitio Dasar, Barangay Isic Isic, Vintar, Ilocos Norte on Friday to secure shared resources, vital records, and culturally significant artifacts of the community.
Developed through the initiative of the police’s 1st Ilocos Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (INPMFC), the facility is also expected to become an educational hub for preserving the tribe’s heritage.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Lt. Michael Pay-an, platoon leader of the 1st INPMFC, who represented acting unit commander, Maj. Jomar Andres, said the storage facility was made possible through active community support and engagement.
He expressed hope that the facility would play a key role in the daily life of the Imalawa tribe while honoring traditions, identity, and history.
“We would like to extend our gratitude for the generous support of various stakeholders and partners of the unit,” he said, citing that the construction of the facility is also in support of the government’s anti-insurgency campaign to foster stability, trust, and community resilience.
Meanwhile, Macario Gudayan, Imalawa tribal chieftain and municipal Indigenous Peoples representative, thanked the police unit for its efforts and contributions in addressing the community’s inadequate storage, particularly during inclement weather.
“Everybody knows that we have rebel returnees. And we are thankful that the government, particularly our uniformed personnel, is doing its best to promote peace and development,” he said.
For his part, village chief Rolly Nacuray expressed support for maintaining the project and maximizing its benefits for the people.
The project is part of a broader effort to improve rural infrastructure and promote sustainable development in tribal areas. (PNA)