SPCF College of Nursing Eyes on Aeta Development

The SPCF College of Nursing (CoN) made some significant moves to forge partnerships with non-government organizations (NGOs) in its aim to help some Pinatubo Aeta communities in the Province of Pampanga. The CoN Dean, Dr. Rolando J. Talag and the HRD Director, Atty. Robert John I. Donesa, together with three nursing student leaders attended a day-long orientation seminar on “Working with Indigenous Peoples” last March 24, 2007 at the Henson Ancestral Home, Angeles City.

The said orientation activity is aimed at giving a broad picture of the present state of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the Philippines, in general, and of the Pinatubo Aetas in particular. It also aimed at preparing the development workers for the challenges in working with the IPs. The said activity was sponsored by Sibul Ning Aeta Foundation, Inc. in cooperation with the Ecumenical Commission for Indigenous Peoples and the UST Office for Community Development.

Preliminary talks have been made between the SPCF CoN, Sibul Ning Aeta Foundation, Inc. and the Rotary Club of Metro Subic for the possible participation of the CoN on the existing projects of said NGOs in the Aeta communities in Pampanga. The CoN is particularly interested in joining medical missions and other health programs. Such participation will be incorporated to the CoN’s Community Extension Service. Talks about the possible scholarships of some Aeta students in some of SPCF programs are also commenced. Surely, this is a good start for a long and fruitful relationship among the above-mentioned institutions.