FLORIDABLANCA, Pampanga -- The Ayala Foundation has donated building materials for 1,000 beneficiaries in Pampanga’s Aeta community in Barangay Nabuclod, particularly those affected by the 6.1-magnitude earthquake which hit the province Monday, April 22.
Ayala Foundation, Inc. president Ruel Maranan told SunStar Pampanga that the move is part of the commitment of the foundation to help out in the rebuilding efforts in Aeta communities which were affected by the recent earthquake.
He added that the support aims to give beneficiaries a chance to reboot their lives through their new homes.
Maranan said that right after the earthquake, Ayala Group of Companies chairperson Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and the rest of the members through the Ayala Foundation decided to extend assistance to the province - from rescue, relief, and a portion of the rehabilitation.
In close coordination with no less than House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Governor Lilia Pineda, they provided the Ayala Foundation with input on the needs of the locals.
“Right now we are here at Nabuclod, with the coordination of local government officials, because residents here are in need of water and mats. We took it upon ourselves to come here together with our partner apl.de.ap and his foundation to actually distribute and see for ourselves in what way we could continuously extend help here,” Maranan said.
Initially, they are targeting 1,000 households to assist. They are coordinating with the national and local government and its officials on how they can leverage and maximize assisting the most affected families.
On the donation of construction materials, Maranan said they are coordinating with Arroyo and Pineda on the rehabilitation of some houses to identify the most affected families.
Maranan said this is part of their ongoing initiative in helping the affected communities.
“It takes the whole group – local government, the Ayala Foundation and its private partners. We’re opening, encouraging and appealing very much for all to extend sustainable solutions to those affected,” Maranan said.
Maranan said that the building materials have been coursed through the Provincial Government of Pampanga which will identify the beneficiaries.
For apl.de.ap, it’s unconditional to help his kabalens during times of need.
“I just wanna thank all the volunteers and the Ayala Foundation for including me in delivering goods and materials here,” he said.
He is also urging other wealthy Kapampangans and artists to contribute to the rebuilding efforts for the Aeta communities.
“I would like to encourage everyone those who are able to help, to help,” he said.
While his foundation is focused on education, apl.de.ap said when help is needed, they are there for support.
Aside from Barangay Nabuklod, Aeta communities in Villa Maria and Camias in Porac town were also devastated by the earthquake.
Majority of residents are now living in makeshift tents as of press time.
The earthquake has also claimed the lives of three Aetas who were buried under the rubble of their collapsed homes.