BAMBAN, Tarlac -- Aglow with excitement, indigenous peoples (IPs) from “Baras Baras,” an Aeta community located in Sitio Mainang, Barangay San Nicolas in Bamban orderly lined up in anticipation of receiving food assistance from a government-owned firm.

The beneficiaries who are majority Aetas were estimated at about 200 families.

Smiles of relief were seen from the recipients of the recent gift giving activity of the Corporate Social Responsibility and Placement Division (CSRPD) of Clark Development Corporation (CDC).

The gift packs include a kilo of rice, canned goods, instant noodles and three in one coffee sachets.

CDC continues to carry out a social contribution and confidence-building efforts under its Clark Cares initiatives. CSR Projects are being extended to various less privileged communities surrounding this Freeport, according to Rommel C. Narciso, assistant vice president for External Affairs.

Roldan Mallari, tribal chieftain of Sitio Mainang in Bamban Tarlac expressed gratitude to CDC for the food assistance.

“Kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa CDC sa tulong na pagkain na ibinigay nila sa aming Sitio. Kahit malayo ang po ang aming lugar, ito’y binigyang pansin ng pamunuan ng CDC, para ipakita ang malasakit (We are thankful to CDC for the food they give our sitio. Even if our place is far, the leadership of CDC shows that they care for us),” said Mallari.

Baras Baras is a rolling terrain in Barangay San Nicolas, Bamban province of Tarlac.

According to Mallari, Aetas in Sitio Mainang have planted banana and other root crops such as plantain, sweet potato, yam, and radish, among others.

Mallari added that the tribal community is requesting for farm tools as well as seedlings of okra, legumes and squash that they intend to plant this coming rainy season. This, according to the tribal chieftain, will be a source of daily food needs and will provide additional income to the Aetas.