GROUNDBREAKING OF AETAHANAN FOR THE “KAPATADS”

By:  Maria Fe B. Gonzales

    The groundbreaking ceremony of the Aetahan for the katutubo brothers and sisters was held last March 14, 2013 at 9:00 o’ clock in the morning in Pipitk, Dila-dila, Sta Rita, Pampanga.

     The ceremony started with the call to gather by Sr. Evangeline Madayag, OSB of Holy Family Academy and Rev. Fr. Regnel C. Fuetez, Apostolate Director, Archdiocesan Desk for Indigenous People, followed by the opening prayer by Rev. Fr. Francis Dizon, Social Action Center of Pampanga (SACOP) Executive Director and Volunteers for Catholic Action (VOCA) Convenor.

     In the introduction of Mrs. Edna Manlapaz, VOCA, Angeles University Foundation, she said that the Aetahanan is a project which was conceptualized and initiated by Fr. Regnel Fuertez and which is supported by SACOP in partnership with the VOCA, an organization composed of Catholic Schools and Universities in the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga. She mentioned that, Aetahanan is a step by which VOCA recognizes and actively take part in the plight of the Aetas.  In addition, she said, “It is our hope that by providing nearer and decent place to live for the aeta students, we will be able to bridge the gap of time and space that hinders our indigenous people to take an active part in the development and progress our society.” 

      Before the ground breaking and the capsule laying ceremonies.  the Aeta Scholars rendered a ritual dance number, which was their form of prayer. Lorna, one of the Aeta scholars, said a prayer about thanksgiving in the aeta way, afterwhich was the performance of their ethnic  dance.

     The capsule was laid by Honorable Catalina C. Bagasina, Congresswoman, Province of Pampanga.  Hon. Condralito B. Dela Cruz, Mayor of Porac, Hon. Yolanda M. Pineda, Mayor of Sta. Rita, Miss Norilyn M. Pineda, Director of OCES in Holy Angel Univesity, Mrs. Elizabeth V. Pusung, Integral Formation Head of Mary the Queen College, Hon. Punong Barangay Edwin Abuque of the Aetas in Camias.

     During the event, Mrs. Edna S. Manlapaz  gave the donation of Angeles University Foundation as its response to the call of loving and serving the Aetas.

     In the ceremony, a very touching song number from the Aeta scholars “SALAMAT PO” which expressed the Aeta students’ dreams and sense of gratitude was rendered by them.  The song was originally composed by one of them.  

     The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Most. Rev. Paciano B. Aniceto, gave his final message and expressed: “…napakaganda ng coincidence na to na nagsisimula yung ating pagka partnership, di natin tinutulungan yung mga kapatid natin, we are partnering with them.  They have their own culture, dignity, their values, their aspirations, their dreams for their fullness for life. We have to support them and we have to partner with them, our dear Aeta children.”

     The event was graced by different people from the different sectors.  Present in the occasion were the SACOP staff headed by Rev. Fr. Kenneth D. Alde, Miss Edna L. Gueco and VOCA representatives and Heads of the Outreach and Extension Offices namely:  Mr. Aaron Bolus (Chevalier School), Mrs. Rowena D. Cabigting (Holy Angel University), Mrs. Jennifer V. Montemayor (University of the Assumption), Mrs. Chit A. Manlapaz (Assumpta Technical High School), Mrs. Mia M. Bognot (Don Bosco Academy), Sr. Evangeline A. Madayag, OSB (Holy Family Academy), Ms. Lyvette P. Macarandang (St. Scholastica’s Academy), Mrs. Teresita S. Pastores (Arayat Holy Child Educational Foundation, Inc.),  Edna M. Manlapaz (Angeles University Foundation) and yours truly, Mrs. Maria Fe B. Gonzales ( Mary the Queen College Pampanga).

     The ceremony ended with the bishop’s final blessing.