CAPAS, Tarlac (Sept. 17, 2025) — In a significant boost to local agriculture and food security, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) turned over 50 carabaos and a range of modern farming tools to Aeta beneficiaries in Barangay Maruglo, Capas, Tarlac.
The distribution, led by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian together with Capas Mayor Atty. Roseller Rodriguez on Thursday, September 11, is a core component of the agency’s Pag-abot Program.
This latest provision brings the total number of carabaos awarded to the Aeta community in Capas to 141, following the distribution of 91 animals last year. Through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), beneficiaries also received 10 hand tractors, 9 mini-tiller cultivators, and 33 knapsack sprayers.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian highlighted the scale of support provided to the Aeta community in Capas, Tarlac. He said, “141 na kalabaw na ang na-turnover ng DSWD sa indigenous Aeta community natin dito sa Capas, Tarlac. Tinutulungan natin sila sa farm inputs nila, tulad nitong mga kalabaw, may mga kuliglig, mga tractors na maliliit.”
He further explained that the program’s overarching goal is to provide sustainable livelihoods to prevent exploitation. “Bahagi ito ng Pag-abot Program natin, kasi ang gusto nga natin yung mga indigenous sa communities natin, hindi sila nae-exploit pagdating ng pasko, at hindi sila pinapapunta sa Maynila para mamalimos sa mga kalsada,” he said. “Ang importante is manatili sila sa kanilang mga community.”
The convergence of these DSWD programs has made a substantial impact, benefiting a total of 579 farmers in the area. Notably, 521 of these beneficiaries are Indigenous Peoples, who are now better equipped to develop sustainable livelihoods within their communities.
The turnover ceremony was also attended by DSWD Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, Pag-abot Program Director Marilyn Moral, and representatives from DSWD Field Office 3-Central Luzon.
