Kumulgo family donates K50, 000 worth of food to Mian tribe in Gumine district

For the Mian Tribe of Gumine District in Simbu, it has been a week of double blessing.

After receiving support from the Mian Elites Union earlier in the week, the tribe has now received more than K50,000 worth of El Niño relief supplies, rice, cooking oil and sugar from the Kumulgo family of the Nigi Marme Clan.

The supplies will support families in Wards 9, 10, 11 and 12 at Gumine Station, at a time when many families are struggling to secure basic food.

But for the family behind the donation, this is not a new story. It is a family story.

Leading the donation is John Bal, Director of Goroka Didiman Hardware, together with his wife, Theresa Bal, and their son, Jobby Bal, Director of FSEC Hire Cars and Security Services.

John Bal remembers doing the same thing in 1997, when Papua New Guinea faced a similar drought and food shortage. He delivered bags of rice to support communities then.

Nearly 30 years later, he is doing it again, this time with his son beside him.

"I am happy and blessed to see my son following in my footsteps. Generosity should not be a one-time thing. It must be passed from one generation to another." He said.

His son, Jobby Bal, said serving the community has always been part of his life, and should not be judged through politics.

"Community service is not new to me. I have always helped where I can," Mr Bal said.

He pointed to his previous work in Gumine, including the construction of the Gumine Market House, upgrading the Gumine League Field, supporting youth in sports, and assisting students and schools.

"Too often, people who genuinely want to help are overlooked, or their help is judged through political affiliations. Community service should be recognised for what it is a genuine commitment to improving people's lives," he said.

Mian tribal leaders and clan members thanked both the Kumulgo family and the Mian Elites Union for remembering their people during difficult times.

Speaking on behalf of the women Magret Kumai said the donation had brought relief to mothers who have been struggling to feed their families.

"On behalf of all the mothers of Mian, we thank the Kumulgo family. When there is no food in the house, it is the mothers who feel it first. This rice, oil and sugar will help our families for now, and we are truly grateful," Ms Kumai said.

"We are double blessed. First from our elites, and now from our own family. We thank them for not forgetting us."

Paul Kumam speaking on behalf of the men said the donation had strengthened unity and trust within the tribe.

"We thank Bal family for this big help. They have shown that when our own sons succeed, they come back to help the tribe. This is not about politics. This is about family and community. We will make sure this food reaches the four wards fairly — Wards 9, 10, 11 and 12." He said.

Mr Kuman said the two donations have sent a clear message across Gumine: development and community welfare is not the responsibility of government alone. Individuals, families, business leaders and community elites all have a role to play.

For the Mian people, the rice, oil and sugar will provide immediate relief.

But for John Bal, the real blessing was watching his son carry on the family legacy.