(The story of the first Aeta nurse of Guimaras)
By Cyrus A. Natividad

Evem Ganila, the first Aeta nurse of Guimaras is a Centralian.

At a very young age, Evem Ganila, a member of an Aeta community in Guimaras experienced how hard it is to grow poor. As an “Ati” she was discriminated by some people. “You cannot go to school because you have no money,” a comment she heard from another person when she was still an out-of-school youth.

With the help of God through some kind-hearted people, she was able to go to school. One time, she would just laugh at her situation because she only had P2.00 in her pocket. Her classmates saw her plight and helped her out. The consciousness of having none while others can afford made her cry a lot of times. From that time on Ganila resolved to finish her schooling. She committed to becoming a character of hope and determination. “I need to be what I want to be so that I can get out of our situation.”

One time, Ganila saw how an old Aeta woman, a member of their community, was treated in a healthcare facility. Because of her color, she was considered “dirty” and was not properly taken cared of. This pushed her to pursue her dreams and become what she is today. She is now a nurse – the first Aeta Nurse of Guimaras. Evem Ganila graduated her Bachelor of Nursing at Central Philippine University last October 2012. She subsequently passed the Board and became a Registered Nurse. She may probably be the first Aeta Centralian nurse.

In an interview with Bombo Radyo Iloilo, Ganila said “A desire to become a nurse was implanted in my mind. I should become a nurse so I can help my fellow Aetas.” She added that “My first dream was to become a teacher”. The success made her realize that “discrimination is a reality but there are people with golden hearts,” Ganila said.

Ganila graduated as a High School Valedictorian at the Immaculate Heart of Mary High School in Guimaras. The achievement was a big help for her to avail a scholarship from Central Philippine University.

Her parting words at Bombo Radyo: “Ang pagtinguha nga makatapos sa pag-eskwela indi lang para marespeto ka sang iban nga tawo, kundi man mabatak ang kaugalingon sa kapigadohon, kag para man makabulig ka sa imo isigkatawo. Let us respect the Indigenous People (IP’s).