SOME 150 indigenous persons (IP) were given groceries, medical supplies and other provisions by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The IPs were represented by 15 leaders and elders of Barangay Camias during the program held at Hacienda Gracia Resort and Hotel in Lubao. Barangay Camais is a mountain village in Porac town, which is home to several Aeta communities. The event was attended by Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and LocallGovernment Concerns Benny Antiporda.
Penro chief Laudemir Salac said the event aims to bring much-needed support to the IPs, who are the foremost partners of the DENR in the care and upkeep of forest and vital ecosystems inside their ancestral domain areas.
Antiporda added the program aims to give back to IPs during the challenging time of the coronavirus pandemic. He also pledged to look into the possibility of helping Aetas cultivate high-value crops like coffee and cacao.
"We would like to help you with sustainable options to protect and environment and also improve your standard of living," Antiporda told Aeta leaders. Antiporda also pledged to help in the machinery needs of the Aeta farmers in his private capacity.
Antiporda had also asked his personnel to map out the "blue lagoon" are in Porac town for possible promotion as a tourist destination. During the gift-giving Antiporda also discussed with tribal leaders possible areas of cooperation and further support for their community.
IP municipal representative Edwin Abuque lauded the efforts of the Penro and the DENR and expressed his optimism for further cooperation in the protection of the environment in Porac town. The leader also thanked the DENR for its continuing support to the Aeta communities of Porac.
