Gerald Anderson distributes food aid to Aetas in Quirino

Some 400 Aeta families in Nagtipunan town, Quirino province receive packs of goods from actor Gerald Anderson (in white shirt). He was accompanied by local officials led by Gov Dakila Carlo Cua (in orange shirt) and Nagtipunan Mayor Nieverose Meneses during the gift-giving activity of Philippine Youth-KASAMA. Photo by Villamor Visaya Jr.

NAGTIPUNAN, Quirino, Philippines — Actor Gerald Anderson led the charity event of a youth organization in an Aeta community here on Saturday.

Anderson, ambassador of goodwill of Philippine Youth-KASAMA (Kabataang Sama-Samang Maglilingkod) Foundation, was joined by local officials in the distribution of food aid to some 400 Aeta families from Disimungal village.

Most of the beneficiaries till farm areas in the mountains of Sitio Dioryong and Sitio Kalboto to plant yam, ginger, and rice.

Among them is Rosing Vargas, 50, who has nine children.

Vargas said their income from farming was barely enough to support her family.

Gina Ramos, 30, another beneficiary, said they hoped that more livelihood projects would be created for their community.

Anderson described the activity as “a new platform to help other people, especially the poor and the penniless.”

Gov. Dakila Carlo Cua said the sub-villages in Nagtipunan, the farthest town in Quirino and gateway to Aurora province, were the first recipients of the food assistance from the youth group.

Some 400 Aeta families in Nagtipunan town, Quirino province receive packs of goods from actor Gerald Anderson (in white shirt). He was accompanied by local officials led by Gov Dakila Carlo Cua (in orange shirt) and Nagtipunan Mayor Nieverose Meneses during the gift-giving activity of Philippine Youth-KASAMA. Photo by Villamor Visaya Jr.