SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) -- Various government agencies and private individuals, with the participation of the Mangyan community, constructed a multi-purpose hall in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

Named Bahay Pagkakaisa or Salakot-- the multi-purpose hall, which measures around 100 square meters built in Sitio Mantay, Brgy. Monteclaro. Its labor was led by the residents of the community, with the help of the Philippine Army.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) supported the facility's construction through the Food-for-Work program. The residents received family food packs (FFS) for their construction labor.

According to Captain Ersel Filipinas of the Philippine Army 68th Infantry Battalion (68IB), the facility was initially made of light materials such as bamboo through the initiative of the 4th Infantry Battalion.

However, the building needs to be rebuilt with sturdier materials as it will also serve as an evacuation center for the community.

The funding and materials for the facility’s construction comprise donations from former 203rd BGEN Jose Augusto V. Villareal, San Jose LGU, and the Provincial Government.

The Bahay Pagkakaisa can also be used as quarters for visitors in the Sitio. Previously, the elementary school in the area was being used as accommodation for immersions and community outreach.

“Kumpleto na iyon, ‘pag may mga bisita sila doon na [pinapatuloy].  Kapag may mga serbisyo caravan tayo doon, may matutulugan na,

[The facility is already complete, and it is where visitors were invited to stay. Whenever there are serbisyo caravans in the community, there will be a place to stay],” Filipinas explained.

Sitio Mantay is known as a Mangyan community situated in the mountainous area of the municipality. The area can be accessed by more than a five-hour walk crossing rivers and rocky roads and is also identified as one of the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) areas in the province. (DSG/PIA MIMAROPA – Occidental Mindoro)