MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed farming carabaos to members of the Aeta community in Capas, Tarlac on Thursday.
“Ayaw po namin na maramdaman ninyo na malayo kami. Ang utos ng Pangulo, ang mga ahensya ng pamahalaang nasyonal dapat sa kasuluk-sulukan na lugar ng Pilipinas nararamdaman at nakikita po ninyo,” Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said.
(We don’t want you to feel that we are out of reach. The President’s order is that the national government agencies should be felt and seen even in the most remote areas of the Philippines.)
Aside from caraboas, 50 members of the community were given P10,000 each.
Gatchalian added that the government will also conduct follow-up programs in the area.
“Hindi po kami titigil na binigay na kalabaw tapos na kami. Kundi maya’t maya makikita ninyo ang mga kawani namin para masigurado na ang inyong mga needs, ang mga pangangailangan ninyo ay natutugunan ng pamahalaang nasyunal,” he added.
(We will not stop by just giving out carabaos. You will see our staff occasionally to ensure that your needs are met by the national government.)