Some 28 Aeta communities in Buhi, Camarines Sur received 1,077 relief packs from the Civil-Military Operations Unit-Southern Luzon (CMOUSL) during a relief distribution program attended by their tribal leaders at the Lourdes Elementary School on Monday.
These typhoon-affected communities consist of more than 4,000 Aetas, the majority of whom live in the different barangays of Antipolo, Burocbusoc, Cabatuan, Dela Fe, Delos Angeles, Ibayugan, Lourdes, Sagrada, and Sta. Cruz.
Out of the 1,077 families severely affected by the recent typhoons, 388 were left homeless while 689 have partially-damaged houses.
Aside from the food packs donated by Dios Mabalos Po Foundation Inc. (DMPFI), Society of Junior Fellows, Ms. Tessie Gonzales, and other individuals through Seaman 2nd Class Charmaine Dela Cruz, the beneficiaries also received towels, hygiene kits, and mega laminated-sack tarpaulins to be used in their temporary shelters.
The chieftains and other leaders, who received the relief packs for their respective tribes, were also given face shields and Navy face masks.
The relief distribution was led by CMOUSL Commander Lt Orlan Orosco PN and witnessed by Buhi Vice Mayor Geoffrey Balagot, Ms. Amabelle Alcantara, Head DMPFI;
lawyer Rhodex Valenciano, legal adviser of National Commission on Indigenous People Region V (NCIP-V); Barangay Lourdes chief Willy Nieva; Lourdes Elementary School Principal Maritess Abagat; and Buhi Municipal Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (MIPMR), Mr. Emmanuel Cerillo.
“Since 2016, we have been in partnership with the Naval Forces Southern Luzon in various community outreach programs. We were there during the Taal disaster and now we are helping these indigenous people who might be left out by various aid groups,” said Amabel Alcantara, DMPFI volunteer.
“There is about 25,000 Aeta population in Buhi. Though we may not be able to help them all, at least we can assure that those affected by the recent typhoons will be given relief goods,” CMOUSL Executive Officer Ens. Alvin Mamansag said. (PNA)
