Just days before Christmas, a significant government-led initiative brought relief and hope to indigenous communities in Pampanga. A total of 1,412 Aeta families from the barangays of Mawacat and Nabuclod were beneficiaries of a comprehensive aid distribution program.
Comprehensive Relief for Indigenous Communities
The assistance was a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Provincial Government of Pampanga. Under the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, each of the beneficiary families received financial aid amounting to ?5,000. This direct cash support aimed to help the families address their immediate needs during the holiday season.
Beyond the cash aid, the families received substantial in-kind support. The office of Pampanga Second District Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo contributed five kilograms of rice per family. Furthermore, the Provincial Capitol distributed a range of essential goods, which included:
- Food packs
- Chicken and hotdogs
- Hygiene kits
- Clothing
- Slippers
Sustainable Support Through Livelihood Grants
Recognizing the need for long-term empowerment alongside immediate relief, the program also included a sustainable livelihood component. Three Aeta families were selected to receive more substantial support aimed at fostering economic independence.
Through the Help for Livelihood and Employment Office (HELO) under the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) Integrated Livelihood Program, each of these three families was granted ?13,000 in livelihood assistance. This funding is designed to help them start or bolster small businesses, creating a more stable source of income for the future.
Leadership and Community Presence
The distribution event, held on December 26, 2025, saw the presence of top national and local officials, underscoring the program's importance. The activity was led by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, alongside Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda. Their direct involvement highlighted the government's commitment to reaching and supporting indigenous and marginalized sectors, especially during the festive period.
This initiative represents a critical blend of immediate humanitarian response and forward-looking development strategy. By providing both emergency cash and goods alongside seed capital for livelihoods, the program addresses the pressing needs of the Aeta communities while investing in their capacity for self-reliance. The effort stands as a model for holistic aid that respects the dignity and potential of indigenous peoples in the Philippines.
