300 Aetas benefit from ARRAPI, PAF outreach program in Tarlac
ARRAPI Chairman Col. Mikee Romero (right) leads an outreach program for Aetas at the Col. Ernesto Ravina Airbase in Capas, Tarlac.
CAPAS, Tarlac – Nearly 300 Aeta Indigenous People benefited from the outreach program organized recently by the Association of the Reservists and Reservist Administrators of the Philippines Inc. (ARRAPI) at the Col. Ernesto Ravina Airbase here.
Led by ARRAPI Chairman and Air Force reservist Col. Mikee Romero in partnership with the Philippine Air Force 790th Air Base Group
under Lt. Col. Owen Avenido, the month-long program delivered three major programs for the beneficiaries – an agricultural livelihood and the installation of a permanent market area called “Magtinda Aeta”; free medical and dental services and haircut, and food packs, and free medicines.Romero said the event was a rewarding experience.
“It’s our own way of uplifting their spirit and providing joy to IPs, and it was very fulfilling,” said Romero, who was joined by Col. Yay Hizon, Col. Floreto Solano, Col. Valdimir Mata, Lt. Col. Josefina Torres, Commander Peter Negrido, and Lt. Col. Meliton Agpaoa.
Romero said the program will provide immediate welfare and boost the long-term livelihood capability of Aetas.
They were backed by the 2nd ARCEN headed by Col. Mark Anthony Yambing, 710th Special Operations Wing led by Brig. Gen. Rommel Allan Genete, Col. Caesar Lubaton, and Col. Nasul Sajili, and Northern Luzon Command U9 chief Col. Belle Mangangba.