In Tawi-Tawi, rough seas and strong winds are affecting the livelihood of the sea gypsies known as the Bajau people. And for almost a week, they are not able to go to the sea to catch fish for their livelihood because of the unlikely weather. Aside from the bad weather, the Bajau are suffering of hunger because of the recent pandemic.

To address a one day relief to this minorities, the Philippine Marines in Bongao, Tawi-Taw together with concerned private individuals organized a feeding program for around 200 malnourished Bajau kids. They prepared rice porridge and cotton candy to these kids. Badjau kids who lined up at the feeding program has facemark to observe minimum health protocols even though the town of Bongao has no COVID casualties.

Aside from feeding Bajau kids around 80 household Bajau mothers received a one day relief aid of 'pangi,' a cassava flour which is a substitute of rice; and vegetables. Melona Esnar, 39 years old, donated 1,000 pesos she received last February 20, 2021 when the boxer turned senator Manny Pacquiao visited Bongao. "Sen. Manny Pacquiao had given 1,000 pesos to 1,000 indigent people when he visited Bongao and I am the only Bajau from our village that received the cash incentive so I just shared my blessing to my fellows," she humbly narrated. Melona gave the money to Eleazer Erana. Mr. Erana then added 1,500 pesos to buy 'pangi' bricks to be given to around 80 families.

While repacking the relief aid, Eleazer shared, "This is called 'pangi' or cassava flour, it is a staple food for Bajau people and substitute for rice. t's pandemic and there are strong waves in the sea due to typhoon, (because of this) they can't go to the sea for their livelihood to catch fish. Most of them are experiencing hunger.So we are now packing relief aid to them."