Aeta community in Zambales backs Pangilinan's VP bid

Aspiring vice president Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan has gained the support of an Aeta community in Botolan, Zambales.

Chieftain Tubag Jugatan, expressed his community's full support to Pangilinan during the latter's visit in Zambales on Tuesday, April 19 to resume his campaign activities.

Jugatan said that his community of over 2,000 Aetas is only one among the 11 Aeta barangays in Zambales that will throw full support to Pangilinan’s vice-presidential bid.

The community leader said they both support the tandem of Vice President Leni Robredo and Pangilinan, saying they have no other choice for the vice presidency.

“Kung dalawa po silang magka-tandem, sa tingin ko po mas mabibigyan nila ng pagkilala iyong karapatan naming mga katutubo, partikular ang mga Aeta, na marami pa din ang mga lupang ninuno na hindi na-a-award sa amin (With their tandem, I believe that our rights, particularly the Aeta, will be recognized, including the lands that are yet to be awarded to us),” the chief added.

For Jugatan, Pangilinan’s agriculture advocacy resonates within his community as most Aetas are still heavily reliant on farming as a means of livelihood.

If elected, Jugatan hopes that Pangilinan will create projects that will help his community in strengthening the use of organic farming.

“Sa aming pamayanan, isa ako sa trainer ng organic farming at gusto ko sana na mas palakasin pa ito dahil ito ang magdadala sa aming kabuhayan sa kasaganahan (In our community, I am a trainer of organic farming and I hope that it will be strengthened because this will improve our livelihood),” he added.