60 Papa and Ayta Mag-indi Community Figure 4 Marivic Capuno showing the DSWD hygiene kit sent in July Photo by Jette Roldan only 70 hygiene kits from the agency. Mindful not to be accused of being ungrateful and hard to please, the leaders expressed appreciation for all assistance that were given. But since the hygiene kits came only four months after the lockdown was announced, their problems now went far beyond mere hygiene concerns. According to Benny Capuno, “Maituturing mo na ring disaster itong nangyayaring ito. ‘ Yung COVID-19 sakit ‘yan, ‘yan ang nagdala ng pandemya. Pero ‘yung ginagawa o kakulangan sa ginagawang tugon, ‘yun ang nagbubunga ng disaster.” (You can liken this to a disaster. The COVID-19 virus caused the pandemic. But the responses to address the pandemic, or lack thereof, is what brings on the disaster to the people.) Again, the Ayta refused to be rendered helpless amidst their dissatisfaction and grievance over the inadequate support and assistance provided by government institutions. Rather, they have sought means to collectively address these gaps to uphold and protect the interests and rights of their community. For instance, as had been done in past disasters, the Ayta Mag-indi community, through their leaders, have taken unto themselves the responsibility of appropriating, distributing, and using the funds mobilized by the UP CSWCD MCD students and other donors. In Barangay Camias, they decided to buy only a minimum number of cavans of rice because they were aware that several cavans will soon be sent by the municipal and provincial governments. They have decided to purchase other basic necessities such as coffee, sugar, salt, and a few canned goods and noodles which they have distributed to the families. They also allocated a certain portion of the funds to be able to conduct a feeding program for the children of Sitio Patal, Liplip, Cuyucot, and Sentro for three days.