Pampanga Aetas experience discrimination for eating bats

The indigenous Aeta group Mag-Indi in Porac, Pampanga, said they experienced discrimination because they eat bats.

University of the Philippines and the United Nations Economic, Social, and Cultural Organization study showed the IPs’ challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic that allegedly originated from bats in China.

“…Sinasabi ng mga taga-patag na sa Aeta nanggaling  ang COVID-19 na naka-ugat  sa diskriminasyon,” one of the researchers July Sumayop said.

(Some lowlanders say COVID-19 came from the Aetas, which is rooted in discrimination.)

The report added some Kapampangan accused that the virus actually came from the Aeta because their diet includes bats. Thus, people avoided them when they go to the lowlands.

“The non Aytas of Pampanga were reportedly spreading the rumor that the COVID-19 virus came from the IPs as they too eat bats, where the virus is reported to have emanated from in China,” it said.

The Aetas were also hesitant to contact outsiders because they believe they are more prone to acquiring the virus.

Also read: Cats can catch COVID-19, study finds

Pampanga Aetas experience discrimination for eating bats

They also struggled to receive help from the government and get personal protective equipment to protect them from the virus.

According to Sumayop, cash subsidies for only 27 families were given to 250 Aeta families from the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

“Hindi rin lahat ng katutubo ay nabigyan ng tama at sapat na ayuda. Sa Barangay Planas, pinaghatihatian ng mahigit kumulang 250 na pamilya ang ayuda  na dapat ay sa 27 na pamilya lamang,” he said.