Gov. Bulut Jr. to create intersectoral task force for Aeta community development in Apayao

Apayao, Philippines – In a bid to address challenges faced by the Aeta community in Apayao and eventually uplift their lives, the head of the province committed to creating an intersectoral task force that shall be responsible for manning the development plans for Aetas.

To better understand the root causes of community struggles and plan effective interventions, Governor Elias Bulut Jr. and Congresswoman Eleanor Bulut-Begtang visited at least two families at Sitio Bayugao, Turod, Luna on Monday, March 20, 2023.

The visit is part of the deep dive learning journey under the Leadership Development Program of the Cordillera Center for Health Development of Department of Health – Cordillera and Zuellig Family Foundation, in partnership with Provincial Health Office, aimed at solving the Aetas’ predicament.

About 50 households belonging to the said ethnic group are settled in the area of which 46 of their children are enrolled at Bayugao Elementary School. Currently, the Aetas rely on hunting, gathering, seasonal farming, and basket-making as their main source of livelihood, said DOH – Cordillera in a press release.

During their visit, the provincial heads determined factors causing pressing issues such as teenage pregnancy and prevalent malnutrition.

Parents were encouraged to actively participate in government programs, especially in livelihood, health, education, environmental protection, registration of births, and the like.

“Haan kayo nga mabain ta haan kayo nga sabsabali. Pare-parehas tayo metlang nga matultulungan iti gobyerno,” Bulut, in a statement, said.

The creation of an intersectoral task force, he added, would aid the government in the provision of a long-term solution to the ethnic group’s plight.

The solon, meanwhile, expressed support for the measure of the governor, adding that the involvement of all stakeholders including the community members, local officials, and all concerned sectors would fast track Aetas’ development.

This was seconded by DOH Provincial Representative Charlyn Tagabing, saying the whole-of-society approach would help in bringing health services to all areas in the province.

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