Employees from the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) carried out a relief mission on December 3, 2025, to assist an indigenous community in Aurora province devastated by a recent super typhoon.
Bayanihan Mission for the Agta Tribe
The team traveled to Sitio Dipontian in Barangay Cozo, Casiguran, for the "Bayanihan sa Casiguran" initiative. Their goal was to support the local Agta Tribe, also known as the Casiguran Dumagat, in recovering from the destruction caused by Super Typhoon Uwan, known internationally as Fung-wong.
CIAC stated that this outreach program demonstrates its commitment to the welfare of vulnerable communities, especially in times of crisis. The activity was supported by the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport (APECO).
Essential Aid for Rebuilding
The CIAC employees provided a significant amount of construction materials to help the community rebuild. The supplies included:
- Fiber cement boards and corrugated roof sheets
- Cement and paint
- Essential tools like claw hammers, hand saws, paint brushes, and rollers
- Work gloves for safety
In addition to the building supplies, the community received a crucial food donation. The CIAC Provident Fund Inc. (CPFI) and the CIAC Employees’ Association Inc. (CEAI) donated 50 bags of rice to help sustain the families during the recovery period.
The construction materials and rice were formally handed over to the beneficiaries through Agta tribal leaders and APECO Community Relations Officer Luzed Anne Jandoc.
Widespread Destruction in Aurora
Super Typhoon Uwan caused massive damage across Aurora Province, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Official reports indicate that the storm damaged nearly 4,000 homes, with coastal towns like Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Casiguran, and Dilasag bearing the brunt of the impact.
Within Casiguran, Sitio Dipontian in Barangay Cozo was one of the areas hit hardest. The typhoon destroyed more than 1,100 houses and key school facilities, severely disrupting the lives of the Agta people, who are part of the Negrito communities living in the eastern Sierra Madre mountains.
The CIAC-led initiative represents a critical step in the long process of recovery for this indigenous community, emphasizing solidarity and support in the face of natural disasters.
