In the municipality of Botolan, Zambales, the Aytas thrive against adversity.
For three decades now, this indigenous community has faced almost every kind of challenge, one of which was the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the early 1990’s, when they had to flee their ancestral lands to survive.
The Aytas may have found their place in Botolan, but they still bear the weight of marginalization within their community, enduring discrimination from their unat (straight haired) neighbors.
But one day, Pure Bayanihan came, bringing food packs like many organizations before them.
Yet this time was different. The initial food packs sustained the Ayta community for almost a whole month.
But Pure Bayanihan’s support didn’t stop there.
They provided the Ayta community with seedlings and basic farming tools, seeking the community’s input on which crops thrived in each season. For Pure Bayanihan, the Aytas weren’t just beneficiaries. They were their partners and co-champions whose wisdom about the land and their livelihood is greatly valued.
The Aytas also received carabaos–Philippine water buffaloes–to work their land, lightening their workloads and igniting hope. The Ayta hope that one day, each member will possess his/her own carabao, sharing resources among themselves.
This also prompted the government to contribute by installing a water pump on their land, restoring their dried-up water source, and helping their crops flourish.
Through Pure Bayanihan, the Aytas embraced their empowerment, forging a stronger community. The resources they received were not mere donations, they gave the community the confidence and a sense of purpose to move forward.
Join us, and let’s uplift the Ayta tribe as they play the important role of shaping their own future.
