VP Leni Robredo listens as tribal leader Carlito Soria airs his community’s concerns. Contributed photo.
CABANATUAN CITY – Presidential candidate Vice Pres. Leni Robredo vowed to preserve the culture and push the interest of tribal communities in a multi-sectoral meeting at the Phinma Araullo University gymnasium here Monday afternoon.
This, after Carlito Soria, tribal consul of Aetas from Sitio Bacao, Doña Josefa, Palayan City, appealed for the conservation of their culture throughout the Philippines.
Soria belongs to an i9ndigenous people’s group from Pampanga that resettled in Palayan City in the wake of the Mount Pinatubo eruptions.
“Ma’am sana ang aming tribong Aeta na katutubo sa Pilipinas, huwag naman po sana kaming maliitin. Sana po buhayin ang aming kultura,” Soria who came in tribal attire said.
He also sought help to secure their relocation site from the Army reservation and more access to medical and health care.
“Pag namamatayan po kami, hindi na po namin naiaabot sa ospital. Namamatay na lang po sa daan ang aming pasyente,” the tribal leader said, adding that they usually use carabao-pulled carts which they call “Carabao FX” in transporting patients to hospital.
Robredo agreed with Soria in regards to the need to proactively preserve tribal culture: “Kaya ako po, ‘yung sa akin pong pangako sa inyo, hindi lang yung aasikasuhin natin yung ating kultura pero sisiguraduhin ko na mararamdaman ninyo na mahalaga kayo.”
“Sa totoo lang, habang nagsasalita ka, medyo nadudurog ‘yung puso ko. Kasi ramdam ko. Ramdam ko ‘yung hinanakit na parang hindi kayo napapahalagahan. Hindi inaasikaso ‘yung pinaka-basic ninyong pangangailangan,” the vice president added.
She promised to work for the tribes’ security of tenure in their resettlement site as well as provide necessary infrastructure and services for their health needs.
The multisectoral district assembly was organized by the Nueva Ecija volunteers from Robredo Peoples Council as venue for Robredo and various sectors to closely discuss concerns, according to Dindo Berino, a convenor.
Three-term Nueva Ecija 1st District. Rep. Estrellita Suansing also led similar activity in her district where she also raised Robredo’s hands, along with her daughter Mika, who is running for a congressional seat.
Robredo, along with her running mate Sen. Kiko Pangilinan later had a meet and greet with supporters in Cabiao ang San Isidro towns before proceeding to the nightime rally at the Gapan City plaza.
