The indigenous families in the highlands of Subic and Olongapo now have access to inexpensive medicine thanks to three new botikas, courtesy of Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc.
The botikas (pharmacies) are RP Energy’s program through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, “Botikas sa Sitio.”
Botikas sa Sitio provides access to affordable medicine and hygiene items for its partner community. The program also provides jobs for the neighborhood once the botikas operate as cooperative stores.
The beneficiary organizations of Botikas sa Sitio are Cabalan Ayta Development Association Inc., the umbrella organization of the tribes of Mampueng, Tralala, Iram, and New Cabalan; Parola Fisherfolk Neighborhood Association, for fishermen neighboring RP Energy’s project site; and the Cawag Tribal Association, another group of Aetas in Subic, Zambales.
RP Energy is the developer of a 600 megawatt Circulating-Fluidized-Bed coal-fired power plant in Subic. The plant will supply energy for the Luzon power grid.
Meralco Power Gen Corporation VP External Litz Santana said that they see the Aetas as key partners in development.
“Our dream is for our Aeta brothers and sisters to achieve economic empowerment so that time will come they will no longer need to solicit from politicians,” Santana stated.