President Marcos renewed his government’s commitment to easing the farmers’ struggles, as he led the distribution of carabaos, farm implements, and financial assistance to Aeta communities in Porac, Pampanga, on Friday, Oct. 3.

A total of 127 beneficiaries received carabaos and farming tools from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), while around 1,200 others from Barangays Planas and Camias each received P10,000 in cash aid.

In his speech, the President stressed that government assistance comes from the people’s money, and that officials are duty-bound to return it to the communities.

“Sinasabi ko nga pagka kung minsan may nabibigyan kami nang kaunting benepisyo ay nagta-thank you. Huwag na kayong mag-thank you dahil trabaho talaga namin ito (Sometimes when we give benefits, people say thank you. But you don’t need to. This is really our job),” he said.

“Pera ninyo ito, kaya binabalik lang namin sa inyo ito (This is your money, we are just giving it back),” he added.

The President assured Aeta communities that Friday’s distribution is only part of a longer program to improve their lives and that the government will remain ready to respond to their needs.

“Patuloy po kung ano yung pangangailangan po na makakapagpaganda, magdadala nang kaunting ginhawa sa buhay ninyo… Iyan po ang aming pangarap na maiabot ninyo (We will continue to provide what is needed to bring comfort to your lives… That is our dream for you),” he said.

“Asahan po ninyo na lagi po kaming nandito na tumutulong sa inyo (You can be assured that we will always be here to help you),” he added.

Marcos assured Aeta farmers of their place in the nation’s agricultural progress.

“Napakahalaga nito dahil pagka kayo’y nagsasaka, hindi po kayo nagpapakain lamang ng sarili ninyo at saka ng pamilya ninyo. Iyong sinasaka ninyo, ‘yung tinatanim ninyo, ‘yung inaani ninyo ay kasama po ‘yan sa pagpapakain ng lahat ng mga Pilipino (This is important because when you farm, you are not only feeding yourselves and your families but also all Filipinos),” he said.

Meanwhile, Marcos shared that former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had announced that land titles would soon be released to Aeta farmers, a move that drew cheers from the community.

“Hindi po maliit na bagay ‘yung kaka-announce lang ni Congresswoman GMA na ‘yung titulo ng lupa ay mabibigay na para hindi na po kayo nag-aalala (It is no small thing that Congresswoman GMA just announced that land titles will be given so you no longer have to worry),” Marcos said.

On the other hand, Marcos underscored the continuing role of carabaos in local farming despite modern machinery becoming more available.

“Hanggang ngayon marami na po tayong mga naimbento na makinarya. Ngunit kahit papaano, hindi talaga mawawala ‘yung kalabaw sa pagsasaka natin (We may have many machines now, but the carabao will never disappear from our farming),” the President said, noting that tools and implements are meant to lighten farmers’ work.