By Ryan Dave Poral

CPU students visit the aetas of Brgy. Leong as the recipients of their outreach program.

The College of Arts and Sciences Provincial Council together with the Student Nurses Association of the Philippines CPU Chapter and other organizations conducted “Pam-Amlig sa Aetas: A SNAP_CPU Community Outreach Program For Indigenous People of Visayas” on February 11, 2023 at Brgy. Leong, Cabatuan, Iloilo.

The SNAP-CPU spearheaded the outreach and choose the aetas of Brgy. Leong because of the welcoming, kind, and eagerness of the said community. The CASPC accepted the partnership as they share the same goal with the SNAP-CPU.

“We accepted this event because we share a common goal: to give back to our community. As their outreach partner, the PASSC were truly grateful,” Anthony Lorca said, Board Member of the CASPC.

He also emphasized that we should value the IP’s and consider them as part of our culture. “I have learned that we should value our Indigenous People more because they are one of the community’s most marginalized groups. I realize that I am beyond grateful and thankful for what I am enjoying today, because our Aeta community has long faced difficulties in life, such as a lack of necessities, goods, education, and proper housing, among other things. I have learned that they should be valued more, that we should respect them as people, and that we should never discount or discriminate against them. They have always been a part of our culture.”

He also added, “Despite its modesty, the Province of Arts and Sciences Student Council has organized a number of community service projects over the years, and we consistently adhere to our goal of helping and serving our community outside of school. Outreach activities help us students not only by giving us a solid academic foundation but also by helping us to grow in our self-confidence, leadership skills, and sense of civic duty. Being able to assist those in need is very fulfilling, and meeting individuals from various walks of life is wonderful since you get to learn about their histories and life experiences.”