Never too late: Aeta Learning Center in Tarlac promotes adult literacy | ABS-CBN

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Never too late: Aeta Learning Center in Tarlac promotes adult literacy

Never too late: Aeta Learning Center in Tarlac promotes adult literacy

ABS-CBN News Intern,

Kris Anne Mendoza

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Updated Jun 27, 2024 03:54 PM PHT

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Photos by Adrian Tabag 

Aeta Learning Center is opening opportunities, aiding the indigenous community’s learning gaps, and pushing for adult literacy in Capas, Tarlac.

Empowered by volunteerism, the non-governmental organization Liwanag at Dunong paved the way for a study space dedicated to Aetas in Sitio Gayaman.  

It welcomes people of all ages, from children and even those 40-70 years old and above.

"May 70-plus years old po kami na tinuturuan. To be honest po, nakakatuwa na 'yung mga matanda pa po talaga, mga nanay at tatay pa po sa komunidad, 'yung sobrang active po," said Adrian Tabag, one of the volunteers.

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"At sobrang game na game [sila] na mag-aral na pumasok kada linggo. 'Yung ibang learners po ng Aeta Learning Center, nakapag-graduate na po sila ng ALS o ng Alternative Learning System," he added.

Tabag said that the mothers and fathers in the community showed interest in going to the learning center and engaging in tutorial sessions each week. 

It only takes a helping hand

Liwanag at Dunong embraces the calling of service and gathers volunteers to teach the Aetas.

"Kasi after Sunday po, Monday na naman po, hanggang Friday or Saturday ng morning, naghahanap po kami ng mga volunteers na puwede samahan po kami sa learning center. Kasi po, 'yung setup po ay mayroon pong isang facilitating teacher. Siya po yung magtuturo sa harap," Tabag said.

"Ngayon po, 'yung mga assistant volunteer teachers, isa-isa po kami nakatoka sa mga learners po natin. Mayroon po kaming mga ginagabayan, inaalalayan na learners, isa-isa po kami sa buong session, o sa buong maghapon," he continued.

Given the challenge of going to the community, volunteers proved nothing can hinder their commitment to be of service. 

"May mga volunteers from Manila, from Pampanga. Sila po, umaalis sila sa Manila ng 4 a.m. 'yung call time nila. Tapos dadaanan nila 'yung ibang volunteers sa Pampanga. Tapos po, ako at 'yung iba po na kasama, na dalawa o minsan tatlo kami or mag isa lang [ako] na nanggagaling ng Tarlac," Tabag said. 

Defying challenges

Tabag, in an interview, mentioned that it took a lot of work before the learning center became functional.

"Patak-patak po siya. Una, ang pundasyon muna ng learning center, hanggang sa 'yung pader na po niya, hanggang 'yung palitada sa flooring, tapos hanggang sa okay, may mag-aambag daw para sa bubong. May magreregalo raw para sa pintuan sa learning center. Ganoon po siya," he said.

"Yung Aeta Learning Center po natin dito sa Capas, Tarlac ay wala po siyang [funds]. 'Yung Liwanag at Dunong po, wala po siyang consistent funding. Ang nangyayari po ay 'yung mga volunteers po ay nag vo-volunteer na mag-print ng module. 'Pag may funding naman sa Liwanag at Dunong, may bumibili ng school supplies, ng mga libro," Tabag added. 

Despite insufficient funding, the organization is lucky to have found volunteers who contribute basic learning materials like modules and other school supplies beneficial for learners. 

Tabag’s viral TikTok video helped gather support from netizens after showcasing the learners at the Aeta Learning Center.

"Through TikTok, may nag-reach out po sa akin nung isang araw na gusto niya mag-donate ng school supplies din po, kung ano po 'yung mga pangangailangan ng mga learners natin,” he said.

Path to mastery

Liwanag at Dunong aspires to one day see an Aeta community which will no longer need the learning center.

"'Yung hangarin po talaga ng Liwanag at Dunong para sa Aeta Learning Center ay sana dumating 'yung araw na maging obsolete na siya, maging obsolete na 'yung learning center. O kaming mga volunteers, hindi na namin kailangang pumunta doon linggo-linggo. Dahil marunong na 'yung mga tao sa komunidad, 'yung mga tinuturuan namin, kaya na nila magsulat ng hindi lang salita, kundi mga sanaysay, mga talata. Kaya na nila makipagtalastasan, magsulat ng mga formal letters. Kaya na nila tumayo on their own," Tabag said.

"Sana po, hindi na kami aakyat sa community bilang mga volunteers, kundi bibisita na lang po kami doon. Kukumustahin namin sila, kumusta na 'yung buhay. Makiki-bonding na lang sa kanila at hindi na para magturo," he added.

The Aeta Learning Center operates every day, but volunteers come only on Sundays. Liwanag at Dunong can be accessed by visiting its Facebook page for any sponsorship and volunteerism concerns.

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Here's Where Liza Soberano Went In Palawan And All The Stylish Outfits She Wore

Here's Where Liza Soberano Went In Palawan And All The Stylish Outfits She Wore

Mavi Sulangi

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Summer is on the horizon! Looking forward to warm, sandy days on the beach and the perfect weather for a tan, Liza Soberano has already begun serving major inspiration during a recent vacation in Sunlight Island Resort in Coron, Palawan.

Fresh-faced and sun-kissed, Liza wore a mini, tiered lilac dress paired with golden hoops. Simple yet breezy, Liza’s look made the perfect outfit for a sunset sit-down with friends by the shore.

Getting that perfect summer tan, Liza soaked in some rays in a shell-patterned bikini paired with a matching cover-up and thick-framed black sunglasses. Spot her phone charm decorated with pearls and beads—perfect for the beach.

After a day under the sun, a good outfit is key to match that post-swimming glow. For Liza, her look of choice was a red v-neck button-up paired with a white bubble skirt. Embracing the tropical energy, she accessorized the look with a shell-decorated necklace and phone charm.

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Liza’s go-to beach accessory was a fun, tropical necklace decorated with shells, beads, and charms. Paired with a bikini or her post-swimming looks, Liza’s necklace was a statement-making piece perfect for the season of sun.

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