Before world economic leaders involved Indigenous peoples on the front lines to address climate change, Filipino United Methodists were working alongside the Aetas in Mawacat, a barangay — district — in Florida Blanca, Pampanga.
“Engaging with the Aeta community … gave us compelling experience and real-world perspective on indigenous resilience during disasters,” said Phine M. Cedillo, Manila Area disaster-management coordinator. “We learn from their stories, practices and experiences.”
Cedillo said the Aetas’ rich culture and traditional knowledge and practices enable them to adapt and manage changes around them.
“I was amazed that these traditions and old practices kept them self-sufficient and steadfast,” she said, “despite the constant changes, not to mention the lack of social services.”
However, without continued support for building capacity and awareness, Cedillo added, their resiliency is “threatened with multi-hazard vulnerabilities.”
She encouraged more in-depth information to strengthen their competence while considering the preservation of their traditions and respecting their rights.
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