FLORIDABLANCA, Pampanga – Songs of joy and dances of merriment welcomed Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, Vice Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda, and Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian in Barangays Mawacat and Nabuclod here on Dec. 22 bringing gifts of cash, Noche Buena goodies, and other essentials to 1,412 Aeta residents.
“Masaya po kami dahil nakasama po namin sila. Nagpapasalamat po kami kay Nanay dahil palagi po siyang nakaantabay sa amin. Bumagyo man o umulan, nandiyan po siya para sa amin—mga upland mula Porac hanggang Florida. Palagi po siyang nandiyan para sa amin,” said Maggy Apang, one of the beneficiaries.
Each of the beneficiaries received P5,000 in financial assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the DSWD, along with five kilograms of rice from the Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
“Importante po sa pangulo [Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.] ang mga Kapampangan, lalo na po ang mga katutubo. Dala ko po ngayon ang tulong ng pangulo at ng departamento upang kahit papaano ay makatulong sa inyo. Alam naman po namin na ang mga nakalipas na buwan ay hindi naging madali—maraming sakuna at maraming pagsubok. Kaya ngayon, bago matapos ang taon, sama-sama po tayo. Tandaan ninyo, importante po kayo sa puso ng ating Pangulo,” said Gatchalian.
The Capitol brought packs of chicken, hotdogs, and other food items and essential household supplies, hygiene packs, clothing, and slippers. Capitol.
Three Aeta families were also granted livelihood assistance amounting to P13,000 through the Help for Livelihood and Employment Office (HELO) under the Department of Labor and Employment’s Integrated Livelihood Program, aimed to help beneficiary families establish sustainable sources of income and strengthen their economic resilience.
Beyond the material aid received, the Aetas said the most meaningful gift they received from the Capitol and DSWD was the affirmation of their being valued especially during the Christmas season. Pampanga PIO/Photos: Daniel Ombina
