Aetas benefit from feeding program, relief operation

MABALACAT CITY — Thousands of Aeta tribesmen benefitted from a relief operation and a feeding program sponsored by a brotherhood organization and a manufacturing firm located inside the Clark Freeport.

The outreach program, dubbed Lingap Katutubo, was jointly spearheaded by the Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Pampanga Alumni Association (PAA) and Rodayvu Manufacturing Corporation in cooperation with the Solidarity Movement For Better Philippines.

Rodayvu President Daisy Slowik, Former Magalang Mayor Lyndon Cunanan, APO PAA President Jimmy Capil, businessman Edizon Ramos who is also a member of the brotherhood organization led the ceremonial distribution of food packs, rice, clothes, and others to the Aeta people at Sitio Cuadra last Friday.

Ramos said they bought additional 10 cavans of rice to accommodate those who fail to register with the program prior to the actual date of distribution.

He said their team prepared rice porridge for the Aetas coming from the villages of Calumpang, San Vicente, Batson,

San Martin, Mataba, Burog, Santa Rosa, Gayaman, Gayaman, Bagingan, Caguing, and others.

Oscar Rivera, vice president of the Alyansa ng Katutubong Ayta ng Pilipinas, said that the beneficiaries came from various villages in Mabalacat City, Pampanga province and Bamban town in Tarlac province.

Rivera thanked the APO officers and members, Slowik and his company, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Director Mike Macapagal, for helping the indigenous people.

He said that more than 2,000 Aetas arrived during the event which he also described as a show of solidarity and support among the tribal communities at the Clark subzone.

Slowik meanwhile expressed happiness saying that helping other people makes her feel good.

The business woman also signified intention to conduct a medical mission in the area with the help of the APO PAA, CDC, and other groups.