Barefooted

iReport — Freely and with relish, they do their chores, make a living - collecting and selling bamboos, play and run around shoeless. (Photo above).They are the children of a small village called Bangkal in Abucay, Bataan, Philippines. Acclimated to treading the muddy and slippery paths of their village, positioned at the foot of the a hill where a sweeping view of a church on the top is seen, they move expeditiously. “They’ve been provided with slippers and shoes, but just like their parents, grandparents and relatives before them, they are more comfortable moving about barefooted.” explained Father Lauro Mozo (MSC), then the village’s tending priest. The day was April 25, 2009 - when we first set foot and met the kids of their humble society. “One thing about the “aytas” (Aetas) or the “kulot” (kinky haired), as they are tagged by the people of neighboring communities, is that they are very shy. They think less of themselves because they assume they are different from us. They just don’t realize that we are all alike. We have the same aspirations and plans for our families.” Father Lauro added. Asked what he hopes to become, Eliezer Liggayu, then 12 , with his soft and husky voice, bashfully and politely answered (in Filipino), “I want to be an engineer.” Alma Parrera, a lanky, big and round eyed 15 year old, delicately replied, “Me? a nurse…I hope to become a nurse.” Jun Tamundong, a serious looking 11 year old, said in a monotone. “Well, I’d like to own a store. I think I’ll be a businessman.” Father Lauro emphasized that the greatest gift we could give them is our friendship. “Let us help them perceive that they’re not distinct from us and that we are all equal.” he continued. “I hope you won’t be like other groups who visited here. They show interest in the kids for one day then they forget about them. You know, it is not easy for these kids to talk and open up to strangers. When they do open up, they feel happy to learn and receive gifts from outsiders....

Channel: iReport Video Length: 0s Date Found: Fri, Jul 08 2011 6:29 AM Category: News Date Produced: View Count: 0