420 Aeta families get financial aid

ANGELES CITY, Philippines — A total of 420 Aeta families in Barangay Sapangbato in this city received P2,000 financial assistance each, food packs and seedlings from the city government on Friday.

The distribution of financial and livelihood assistance was in line with the city’s observance of the Indigenous People’s Month.

Mina Cabiles, chief of the Angeles gender and development office, said among the beneficiaries were 158 families in Sitio Babo, 93 in Sitio Bliss and 169 in Sitio Target.

The distribution was followed by a tree-planting activity at the Angeles City Watershed.

Cabiles said the welfare and health of the indigenous people are among the priorities of Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr.

She said the city government recognizes the contribution of the Aetas in preserving the watershed.

Among the 31 caretakers of the watershed are members of the Aeta tribe from Sitio Babo, Target and Bliss.