4,000 residents affected by drought, forest fires in Benguet receive aid from GMA Kapuso Foundation

A total of 4,000 residents in Tuba, Tublay, and Itogon, Benguet who were affected by drought received food packs and hygiene kits from the GMA Kapuso Foundation.

According to "24 Oras," Wednesday, farmers in Benguet have struggled to water their crops due to issues with water supply and intermittent rains.

One of those affected was Arthuro Argonza, who earns around P1,000 to P2,000 per week as a tour guide. His livelihood suffered when Mt. Ulap had to be closed after a forest fire hit its trail in Sitio Sta. Fe, Barangay Ampucao last April.

When tours are scarce, Argonza plants vegetables to make ends meet, but the drought had made this a struggle for him as well.

"Nag-ga-garden kaso kung mag-garden ka naman ngayon dito wala namang ulan. Matagal na walang ulan kaya walang pandilig, walang pagkukuhanan ng mga tubig," he said.

["I do gardening but if you put up a garden now, there's no rain. There's hasn't been rain for a long time, so there's no water to water the plants, there's no source of water."]

"Affected pa 'yung ibang farmers kasi dun nga sila kumukuha ng water supply then kapag meron forest fire kasi ginagamit nila hoses, 'yung black na plastic, mabilis masunog 'yun. 'Yun 'yung dinadaing ng farmers natin," said SFO2 Garry Zaldy Calaoa of Itogon Fire Station.

["Other farmers are affected because that's where they get their water supply, then when there's a forest fire, they use black plastic hoses that catch fire easily. Those have been the sentiments of the farmers."]

Luckily, Mt. Ulap opened anew on Monday, so Argonza can return to his work as a tour guide.

Meanwhile, Freddie Altiga, barangay captain of Barangay Ampucao, expressed his joy from the food packs and hygiene kits that the residents of Tuba, Tublay, and Itogon received.

"Masaya kasi may mabuting puso na pumunta sa amin para magbigay ng tulong," he said.

["I'm happy because there are kind-hearted people who went here and extended their help."]

For those who want to help, GMA Kapuso Foundation accepts donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Shopee, PayMaya, Zalora, MegaMart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.

For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website.