By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the bright morning sun of October 3, 2025, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stood alongside Aeta community members in Porac, Pampanga, as he personally handed over 60 carabaos and 30 garetas. This event is part of the government’s ongoing livelihood support program aimed at helping Indigenous groups improve their farming and economic opportunities.
The livestock distribution was organized through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pag-abot Program. Secretary Rex T. Gatchalian and Director Venus Rebuldela led the initiative, with Assistant Director Armont T. Pecina representing the agency at the ceremony. The program targets 127 beneficiaries from Aeta communities, providing them with tools for sustainable farming and income generation.
To ensure the animals were healthy and properly cared for, the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Carabao Center at Central Luzon State University (DA-PCC at CLSU) played a key role. Their team, through the Artificial Insemination and Bull Entrustment Program, helped source quality carabaos and provided technical services such as ear tagging, deworming, and vitamin administration. These measures help protect the animals’ health and improve productivity for the farmers.
Marites D. Liwanag, Officer-in-Charge of the DSWD Innovations Division and Social Welfare Officer IV, also supported the program by coordinating the sourcing of the carabaos. Her role helped ensure that the right animals reached the intended beneficiaries in good condition.
Carabaos remain vital to many farming communities in the Philippines. They are essential for plowing fields and transporting goods, making them valuable assets that can boost agricultural productivity and local livelihoods. For the Aeta communities in Pampanga, these animals represent more than farming tools—they symbolize hope for a better future through sustainable farming.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to uplifting Indigenous peoples by providing resources that encourage self-sufficiency and resilience. It also highlights the importance of partnerships between government agencies and local communities to deliver meaningful support on the ground.
As these 127 families receive their new carabaos and garetas, the hope is that they will build stronger, more sustainable livelihoods while preserving their cultural traditions and connection to the land.
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