In MJB Cares Foundation, no community is way too far for us to immerse ourselves into as we conducted our Gift Giving Drive for the Aeta Community in the northern most part of the Philippines, Sanchez Mira, Cagayan Valley last Nov 21-22, 2022.
The said activity is a joint collaborative effort with Marine Battalion Landing Team – 8 spearheaded by Commanding Officer, MAJ Joseph L Orantes PN (M) together with 1st Lieutenant Kevin John Elao, PN (M)
Both parties worked hand in hand to give out food packs, used clothes and toys as well as rendering free haircut services, checking of blood pressure for a total number of 1773 Aeta beneficiaries.
The first community we reached out to is Barangay Kittag where people live in the most dire living condition.
Their main source of income is through selling wild Gabi leaves and occasional farming. The women and children walk, barefoot on muddy-lengthy road for 2 hrs just to sell their produce. More often than not, their amount of work and amount of income don’t break even.
According to Mrs Chonalyn Jose, a barangay day worker in the area said that the main challenge that their community is facing is the fact that their geographical location is too distant and the roads are poorly built – making it difficult for socioeconomic development programs to reach them.
“Lubos kaming nag papa salamat sainyo para sa activity na to sa barangay Kittag. Salamat po ma’am sir. Sa uulitin.”
– Elisea manglay bassuang, Barangay Secretary
The second Aeta community we have been fortunate enough to visit is located at Barangay Claveria, Cagayan Valley. Their main challenge as a community is that they lack proper education and have some community public health concerns.
“Ayaw ko silang tawaging IP kase parehong lang din tayong mga tao. Walang pinag kaiba. Magka kapatid tayong lahat.”
– Mrs. Neonita Macalma, Barangay Kagawad
Mrs Macalma has high hopes for the inclusivity of the Aeta’s and that there should be no division of any kind. That the their name “ Aeta “ should not be stigmatized as a something foul and a disgraced member of the society but a name that holds pride and honor as they are one of the aboriginal Filipinos.
“Di tayo mag sasawang tumulong.”
-Commanding Officer, MAJ Joseph L Orantes PN (M)
We are eternally grateful to all individuals who took their time and effort to make this activity possible. We wish to recognize those who to handed out their cash and in-kind donations, the Marines, the LGU of Sanchez Mira and the volunteers.
641 km is what it took for us to reach the Aeta Community. But nonetheless in MJB Cares Foundation, we truly believe that love knows no distance.
