BAMBAN, TARLAC— Aeta Tribal Chieftains here on November 22 said they will work alongside the Sacobia River Watershed Coordinating Body (SRWCB) in stewardship and sustainable development of their 7-hectare ancestral land poised to be adapted as satellite tree nursery by the body in response to climate change emergency.

Chieftains Noel Lundang of Sitio Kaging, Michael Lundang of Sitio Mabilog, Joel Cosme of of Sitio Gayaman, and Bert Sumawang of Sitio Malasa expressed intent during consultation with SRWCB to forge alliance and build community capacity to preserve their areas in pristine state while bolstering opportunities for cultural and ecotourism.

Widus Foundation Incorporated (WFI) Manager Ronnel Golimlim commended the organized community led by the Chieftains as “key factor for the likely high success rate” of the pioneering project.

“The tree nursery may be our point of entry to introduce the community to guests of Clark hotels [for experiential tourism], and eventually pave way for developments in education, health, and roads,” he added.

Other SRWCB members present are Subic Clark Alliance for Development (SCAD) Executive Director, Atty. Carminda Fabros; Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Environmental Permits Division Manager, Engr. Rogelio Magat; and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region 3 (NCIP-3) Bamban Chief, Mr. Jessie Aguilar. (Subic Clark Alliance for Development SCAD)