Progressive and inclusive—this is what we stand for at the MJB Cares Foundation. We worked closely with Marine Battalion Landing Team 8, spearheaded by Commanding Officer Major Joseph Orantes, PN (M), and the Local Government Unit of Sanchez Mira; we collaboratively conducted an outreach activity on July 21, 2023, at Sanchez Mira, Cagayan Valley, for the Aeta Community.
The Aeta Community residing in Sanchez Mira represents the earliest inhabitants of the Philippines and is recognized as aboriginal Filipinos. Unfortunately, they have been victims of historical social injustices, including exploitation, land theft, and ethnic discrimination. These injustices have had a lasting impact on their lives and heritage.
Despite their continuous efforts to lobby for rights and opportunities, they do not have access to basic services, economic growth, or political representation. Hence, they remain one of the most impoverished communities in the country.
“Tulad na po sa naibigay niyo saamin, mga bigas, pagkain, damit, laruan sa mga bata—malaking bagay ang nabigay niyo saamin. Maraming salamat sa pag tanggap saamin. Sana mapag patuloy niyo tong mga program ang ganito. Sa MBLT-8, kay mayor, sa mga sponsors, dyos po ang naway mag papala sainyo. Sana di kayo mag sa sawang tumulong saamin.“
– Chieftain of the Aeta Community, Sanchez Mira
During this outreach, all Aeta families from different barangays received food packs—rice, noodles, canned goods, coffee, as well as clothes and toys for kids.
After which, games for children and health check-ups for seniors kicked off. The said activity is in line with the MBLT-8’s 45th Activation Day. Everyone went home with a smile and a memory to remember. Indigenous people deserve so much but get so little. They are often denied and displaced by people who create hierarchy on the basis of social standing. We need to realize that we are more alike than different.
“Ako ay nagpapa salamat sa LGU Sanchez Mira, Kay mayor sa Pag support sa mga ganito ng activities namin. Ang ating target beneficiaries ay mga Indigenous People. Di natin sila nakakalimutan. Kaya din natin nagawa ang activity nato ay para di sila ma recruit ng mga NPA. Maam Risalyn, salamat po sa pag blood type sa mga katutubo natin. Salamat sa MJB Cares Foundation, sa mga donated na food packs at toys na dinala niyo. Kahit ang haba ng biyahe galing ng Cainta, ay nadayo niyo parin kame dito sa Sanchez Mira. Tayo ay magpatuloy sa pagtulong sa ating mga kapwa.”
– Major Joseph Orantes, PN (M), MBLT-8 Commanding Officer
The MJB Cares Foundation alone cannot mobilize. We are eternally grateful to all individuals who immensely contributed to the success of this cause: Jong Un Woo & Steicy Woo, Junna Aragon, Sone Aragon, Lea Jardinel, Rowgen, MJ Pichay, DDCPH Corp, and The Grey House – Mabini.
Indigenous people who are disadvantaged deserve a place in our hearts. The gap between the minority and majority needs to be narrowed and lessened, which has been a long time coming. Without a doubt, we could accomplish that through compassion and action.
