Aetas of Guimaras receive gifts from SM Foundation
Sitting from left are Mary Joy Acana,
Ronnie Segobre Guimaras Provincial
Administrator and Cristie Angeles during
the Coutesy call at the office of the
governor
* We left the place fulfilled. After all, it was what we always wanted to do
Aetas (Ati) from Barangays Kati-Kati, Jordan and Lanipe, Nueva Valencia in Guimaras were very happy after they were blessed with gifts from SM Foundation, Inc. and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 6 last Feb. 19, 2008.
The gifts included shoes, clothes, bags and toys.
The News Today was able to talk to Nanay Loling, the oldest resident in the villages. She was happy for the unexpected gifts.
Young Camille with her stuff toy
Then, there was young Camille, who does not talk much but the happiness on her face for receiving the gifts, was priceless.
Punong Barangay Federico Palacios said that the gifts were very important. "I know how important the shoes are in school. Some of the students walk to school," he said.
This writer was equally happy to take part in this activity, not just to document the event but to get involved in the giving.
Cristie Angeles, SM Foundation project director for Outreach Programs, staff Andy Quinones, SM City Public Relations Officer Troy Camarista and DSWD Mary Joy Acana comprise the team.
We left the place fulfilled. After all, it was what we always wanted to do.
Distribution of Shoes
Note: The aetas are scattered in the provinces of Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. The biggest population is settled in Negpana, barangay Lipata, Barotac Viejo (Iloilo). Other bigger groups are found in Hanti (Antique), Malay (Aklan) and Lambunao (Iloilo). The total popultion is 63, 654 (OSCC, 1987)