CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — Members of the Ayta community in Barangay Planas, Porac, Pampanga now have access to a safe and inclusive space for learning, recreation, and cultural expression, following the completion of a new multipurpose facility by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The 582-square-meter center, built under the 2024 national budget with a total cost of P5.9 million, is part of the government’s continuing push to deliver equitable infrastructure to indigenous and underserved communities.
Residents have expressed appreciation for the new facility, viewing it as a safe and accessible space that fosters community interaction, learning, and recreation—especially for the youth and the elderly.
Marissa Santos, a resident of the village, expressed her gratitude, stating that the center provides a much-needed venue for various community events and activities, and offers children a safe place to play.
DPWH Pampanga 2nd District Engineer Gregorio Audea Jr. said the newly completed center supports the social and cultural development of the Ayta community.
“This modern center, equipped with a multipurpose hall, stage, and dressing room, offers a dedicated space where residents can gather, learn, and celebrate their heritage. We hope this project contributes to the inclusive progress that our country is striving to achieve,” Audea said.
With its completion, the facility stands as a tangible example of the government’s commitment to inclusive infrastructure, particularly for indigenous peoples who have long faced gaps in access to public services and spaces.
The DPWH continues to implement infrastructure projects that uplift marginalized sectors, in line with the administration’s vision of inclusive and sustainable development across the country. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
