Capas Aetas receive food packs from DSWD
THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian distributed family food packs (FFPs) to some 633 members of the Aeta community in Bgy. Maruglu, Capas, Tarlac.
The distribution was made during the launching of the Social Protection for Indigenous Peoples.
The provision of food packs is in response to the effects of El Niño on the livelihood of the Aetas who are engaged in agricultural activities .
Joining the DSWD Secretary in the launch were local officials led by Tarlac Gov. Susan Yap, Tarlac 3rd district Rep. Noel “Bong” Rivera, Capas Mayor Roseller “Boots” Rodriguez, and Vice Mayor Alex Espinosa.
In his short message, Gatchalian told members of the Aeta community that the national government is committed to reaching far-flung areas to serve its constituents.
“Gusto namin malaman ninyo na kami sa DSWD ay naatasan ng Pangulo na umabot sa ating mga kababayan para maunawaan namin ang inyong mga pangangailangan at para malaman ninyo na ang pamahalaang nasyunal ay hindi kayo nalilimutan,” Gatchalian said.
The DSWD will reach out to more communities to determine the appropriate interventions based on the unique needs of different indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) and other indigenous peoples (IPs).
Sharing the mandate of the DSWD, Gatchalian stressed that the agency aims to uplift the living conditions of the poor and vulnerable sectors, including the members of the Aeta community.
During the pilot rollout, social workers conducted validation and interview with the beneficiaries to gain a better understanding of their socioeconomic situation, particularly their access to basic services and social protection.
As an off-shoot to the Pag-Abot Program, digitized profiling tools were used to streamline data processes through the mobile connectivity set up by the DSWD Information and Communications Technology Management Service (ICTMS), in partnership with the American company Cisco Systems Inc.
Each beneficiary, who are mostly engaged in agricultural work in their respective communities, was given two family food packs (FFPs), which is part of the agency’s response to the effects of El Niño.
