Aetas in Zambales become online sellers

An Aeta community in San Marcelino, Zambales, has been selling fresh produce and other goods online since the COVID-19 lockdown took a toll on their livelihood.

On this week’s episode of “Quarantours,” Sitio Yangin chieftain Gabriel Cabalic said residents had not been able to sell their crops at the local market due to the lack of transportation.

“Laking epekto po ang quarantine sa amin dahil ’yung aming mga produkto, hindi namin maibenta sa bayan kasi po bawal na po kaming lalabas sa bayan,” Cabalic said.

The sitio, once a popular destination for tourists, has not seen any visitors since the government banned all nonessential travel.

With the lack of income, residents in Sitio Yangin began running low on food and supplies.

Fortunately, with the help of an organization called Make a Difference (MAD) Travel, the sitio residents are now able to sell their products online, including mangoes, honey, coffee, baked goods, and vegetables.

Customers can simply place orders on the MAD Market website, and the items will be delivered right at their doorstep.

Buyers can also make a donation of at least P150 to help address the needs and ensure food security for MAD Travel’s partner communities in Zambales and Bataan.

The initiative has so far raised 8,000 seedlings for Sitio Yangin residents. – Margaret Claire Layug/RC, GMA News