CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Education, livelihood, and food security of indigenous communities in Pampanga formed the centerpiece of the Aeta Day celebration held at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center on Thursday, Sept. 17.
A total of 966 Aeta student-scholars from Mabalacat City and the towns of Floridablanca and Porac each received P2,500 under the provincial government’s Educational Financial Assistance program, along with food packs of five kilograms of rice, canned sardines and corned beef.
Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda encouraged the students to persevere in their studies and assured them that the provincial government would continue to support their education through college.
“Mga anak, mag-aral kayong mabuti at huwag kayong susuko sa inyong mga pangarap. Hangga’t kaya namin nina vice gov at board members niyo, tutulungan namin kayong makatapos ng pag-aaral hanggang college,” the governor exhorted the scholars. “Ang hiling ko lang, ingatan ninyo ang inyong sarili at balang araw, kapag nakamit na ninyo ang inyong mga pangarap, sana kayo naman ang tumulong at magbigay ng pag-asa sa kapwa ninyo Aeta.”
Several students later approached and embraced the governor as they expressed gratitude for the educational assistance and continued support.
“Gusto ko pong matapos, gusto kong mapakita na kahit ganito lang kami, kahit ganito lang lahi namin ay maipakita namin na kaya namin makatapos basta mga tumutulong po tulad nina Nanay and Vice Gov Delta,” said Rean Joy Torres, 16, student from Sapang Uwak High School in Porac.
In the same event, 200 adult Aeta beneficiaries received P11,400 each, along with food packs, after completing a 15-day Cash-for-Work program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Project LAWA at BINHI (Local Adaptation to Water Access at Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished) aimed at addressing water scarcity and food insecurity while strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities.
During the 15-day program, the beneficiaries participated in agricultural activities, including the planting and cultivation of various crops, allowing them to earn temporary income while contributing to local food production.
Pineda encouraged the beneficiaries to use their earnings wisely, including as possible capital for livelihood activities that could help provide a more sustainable source of income for their families.
The provincial government said it will continue to invest in the education, livelihood and development of Aeta communities to help families improve their quality of life, become more self-reliant and gain access to better opportunities. Pampanga PIO/Photos: Daniel Ombina