DSWD sends Jollibee food, clown to Manide tribe

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

PARACALE, Camarines Norte --- For the Manide children of Paracale, nothing compares to the joy of seeing the famous Jollibee mascot in person, a rare treat organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol to mark Indigenous People’s Day.

Manide children and their families gathered to take photos with the beloved Jollibee mascot, who joined DSWD’s initiative to bring free food and fun to one of the oldest tribal communities in the Bicol Region. This event held special meaning for the Manide, many of whom had only previously glimpsed the mascot and Jollibee food on mobile phones.

Edwin Sagala Salvatore, 42, and his 12-year-old son Froilan, both in the fourth grade at Katutubo Elementary School in Barangay Bakal, were overjoyed to see Jollibee live. Froilan, like many Manide children, had dreamed of tasting Jollibee food and seeing the famous mascot dance in front of him.

“It’s been my dream to see Jollibee and taste their food. I’ve seen it on my phone, with children lining up for their favorite chicken,” Froilan shared with this reporter, recalling the past December when school supplies and holiday packs were distributed by an anonymous philanthropist.

The Katutubo School, nestled in the mountainous Bakal village where the Manide community resides, is accessible only by private car or habal-habal (motorbike taxi), with tribespeople typically traveling barefoot over the rugged terrain.

During a DSWD visit earlier this year, Manide children voiced their wishes to see Jollibee in person. Their dreams were finally fulfilled on October 16, when the DSWD brought free food and the famous mascot as part of a feeding program and psychosocial support initiative.

DSWD Regional Director Norman Laurio emphasized that the event aimed to provide joy and emotional support to the community. Edwin expressed his gratitude, saying, “We’re thankful to the DSWD for fulfilling our children’s dreams. The happiness of Froilan and the other Manide children is truly priceless.”

The DSWD also plans to offer livelihood support to the community, in collaboration with other government agencies, to help alleviate poverty in the area.

Allan N. Terrazula, teacher-in-charge of Katutubo Elementary School, conveyed his appreciation for DSWD’s efforts: “No amount of money can buy the joy felt by the Manide children and their parents. We’re grateful to the DSWD and The Manila Times for their continuous support.”

The Katutubo School, the region’s first for indigenous children, currently has 74 students, down from 87 last year due to economic hardships and remote location challenges faced by the Manide families.

MANIDE families, along with teachers from Katutubo Elementary School in Bakal village, Paracale, Camarines Norte, express their heartfelt thanks to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for providing food and bringing the famous Jollibee mascot during Indigenous People’s Day celebrations. RHAYDZ B. BARCIA