Santa Claus Aetas from Tarlac give Baseco residents sweet potatoes as Christmas present

https://www.facebook.com/rey.campaniera/posts/540693823326952

All the way from Capas, Tarlac, a group of Aetas, dressed as Santa Claus, did not mind traveling for hours just to deliver their Christmas present to the residents of Baseco, Manila on Friday, December 20.

Just a few days before everyone celebrates the ‘most beautiful time of the year,’ these Aetas gave away 10,000 sweet potatoes, which they personally harvested, to the residents.

Their gift-giving was shared by netizen Rey Campaniera through a Facebook post, saying, “‘Di lang ang may kaya ang may karapatan magbigay ngayong kapaskuhan. Katulad ng mga Aeta sila rin ay may pusong gusto mag SHARE ng kanilang ani (Giving gifts this Christmas is not something that only wealthy people can do. Like the Aetas, they also have the heart to share their harvest).”

In one of the videos uploaded by Campaniera, an Aeta expressed his gratitude to the residents for welcoming them even though they are indigenous peoples.

Meanwhile, Jober Ocampo, also an Aeta, told ABS-CBN News people usually think of them as “beggars.”

“Ngayon naisipan namin na hindi pala maganda ‘yon, mabuting magbigay ka ng pananim mo para makapagbahagi ka naman ng pinagpaguran [mo] (Now we realized that it is not good, it is better to give your harvest so that you can share the product of your hard work),” he said.

The Philippine Air Force and Philippine National Police helped the Aetas to give their Christmas gifts.

Many netizens lauded the Aetas for their selflessness and generosity.