Cops in Cagayan collaborate to buy a bicycle and side car for Aeta vendors
On 8th February 2022, Police Major Marlou U. Del Castillo of Philippine National Police (PNP) Ballesteros, encountered an Aeta mother and daughter selling vegetables without any modes of transportation. The vendors could only walk while balancing the trays of vegetables on their heads.
Because of this, Del Castillo thought of a way to help them and make their job easier – buying a bicycle and sidecar for them to ride and put their vegetables in.
Cop takes notice of Aeta mother and daughter selling vegetables
Major Marlou U. Del Castillo, with Aeta mother Maylin Corpuz and her daughter
Image credit: PSBalita
According to a Manila Bulletin article, Del Castillo saw Aeta mother Maylin Corpuz and her daughter passing by their station and had invited them in for coffee and bread. During that time, Del Castillo listened to Corpuz sharing how she had been selling vegetables for her family to survive as her husband had been imprisoned.
Del Castillo also learned that Corpuz and her daughter had to walk long distances in order to sell the vegetables that they had for the day.
Cops buy bicycle and sidecar for them, including vegetables to sell
Maylin Corpuz and her children with their new bicycle and sidecar
Image credit: Radyo Pilipinas Tuguegarao
Hearing about the Corpuz family’s struggles, Del Castillo gathered his fellow cops and encouraged them to help him purchase a bicycle and sidecar for transportation and a supply of vegetables for the family to sell.
Corpuz family with Major Del Castillo on the trike
Image credit: Radyo Pilipinas Tuguegarao
So, on 25th February, Del Castillo asked Corpuz to come to the precinct to surprise her with their gift to her and her family. Corpuz was grateful to Del Castillo and the police of Ballesteros for the help and support.
Corpuz and daughter selling vegetables using the trike
Image credit: Radyo Pilipinas Tuguegarao
Unfortunately, Aeta families in Cagayan do struggle with poverty, so some are given food and other necessities through outreach programs. According to Corpuz, being given a bicycle and sidecar is a chance at enhancing their livelihood.
Listening to other people can mean a lot
Helping people without asking for something in return is one of the reasons why we should keep faith in humanity. In this dog-eat-dog world, there are still good people out there.
We hope that everything goes well for the Corpuz family in the future!
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Cover image adapted from Radyo Pilipinas Tuguegarao and Radyo Pilipinas Tuguegarao