BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Provincial Government here turned over ranged chicks to 20 drug surenderees on January 8, 2020 at the Provincial Veterinary Compound.
Each recipient received 75 heads of chicks including starter feeds, chick boosters and grower feeds.
According to Mountain Province Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) Focal Person Angel B. Baybay, the recipients were among the drug surenderees who have undergone rehabilitation and counseling as requirements before applying and qualifying to the livelihood program for drug personalities of the provincial government.
The provincial government has allotted an amount under the PADAC fund for the livelihood package of interested drug personalities for them to get a chance to earn a decent living and become productive members of the society.
Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. who personally led the turnover of the livelihood package urged the recipients to sustain the gifts from the provincial government.
“We are not here to judge you. What is important is you have tried your best to change and is now willing to start anew. For our part, we want to help you to get back on your feet,” Lacwasan said.
Meanwhile, Provincial Veterinarian Rodelio B. Bagawi oriented the beneficiaries on proper poultry-raising to assure the success of their endeavor.
He said that poultry-raising is now becoming a booming business in the province because of the shortage of poultry meet and egg supplies.
“Poultry raising is a good source of income and food for the family since it is easy to maintain and the demand for poultry meat and eggs are also high,” Bagawi said.
In response, the recipients were one in expressing gratitude to the provincial government.
“We are sincerely grateful for this opportunity. This assistance will surely benefit me and my family,” said one beneficiary from Bauko.
“The government has done a lot for us to change so we commit to continue this new life and gift of chance. We also commit to sustain this livelihood assistance,” said another recipient.
By Erwin S. Batnag
