Life insurance firms build houses for Atis in Rizal

In giving back to the community, the Philippine Life Insurance Association (PLIA), the umbrella organization of 35 life insurance companies in the country, finds the opportunity to spread the gospel of the product that answers uncertainties in living.

During the recent bayanihan activity for the industry village in Rodriguez (formerly Montalban), Rizal, led by Insurance Commissioner Evangeline Escobillo and president Peter Coyiuto, the organization put into action its commitment to help the less privileged families.

Giving their full support during the initial building activity were PLIA vice president Esther Tan, treasurer Gregorio Mercado, directors Jose Lee and Benjamin Lim, and general manager Sylvia Amansec.

The PLIA has dedicated the construction of 35 housing units, each representing one life insurance company, to the Atis, an indigenous group of hunters and gatherers from Panay Island in Sitio Maislap, Barangay San Isidro, Rodriguez town.

Each PLIA member-company will take its turn in the following weeks to involve industry people in the concerted effort of helping build a more livable habitat for the Atis.

Escobillo urged life insurance officials to beat the July 23 target completion date of the PLIA Gawad Kalinga Village by pooling not only funds but time and effort as well.

Rodriguez Mayor Pedro Cuerpo backed the initiative with the donation of the land on which the units are to be built.

PLIA immediate past president Jose Cuisia Jr. was ever ready to lend a hand.