‘Solution to hunger lies in addressing most vulnerable’

MANILA, Philippines — Focusing on the most vulnerable is the solution to the growing hunger problem in the country, Sen. Francis Pangilinan said.

“Hunger is getting worse in the country because of COVID. If we want to solve this, we must focus our attention on those most affected. Love of country is paying attention to the last, lost, and least of our people,” Pangilinan said following his visit to Aeta communities in Pampanga on Friday.

Assisted by Porac Mayor Jing Capili, he went to Barangays Babo Pangulo, Villa Maria and Inararo to hand over food packs to around 700 Aetas. He noted that indigenous peoples are the last to be thought of during calamities or in this pandemic as they live in remote areas.

The indigenous communities were among those severely affected by the 6.1-magnitude earthquake that hit the Central Luzon provinces in April 2019. Aeta families in Barangay Diaz in Porac were relocated to the temporary settlement in Barangay Babo Pangulo.

Nancy Santos of Barangay Babo Pangulo thanked the senator and government and non-government entities who have paid attention to their plight.

Village leader Rogelio Valencia of Barangay Villa Maria also thanked the farmer-senator for providing support to the indigenous community.

Pangilinan, whose late father was born and raised in Pampanga, stressed that solutions to the country’s problems also lie in working together.

“We can overcome if we work together. From there will be derive our strength and courage to defeat obstacles through prayer and cooperation,” he said.

Pangilinan likened the focus on the vulnerable to carrying a bagful of fruits from the bottom, not by the handles.

Last December, Pangilinan’s office also distributed food packs to around 500 Aeta families in Mabalacat, Pampanga.