5th JFVA Recognizes Aeta Family for Uplifting Lives of Fellow Indigenous People

The Domulot family of Botolan, Zambales, was recognized as one of the six exemplary Filipino families during the 5^th Jollibee Family Values Awards (JFVA). Their advocacy of uniting the different Aeta tribes around Mt. Pinatubo and protecting their rights, earned them the distinguished recognition.

The JFVA is the leading fast-food chain’s annual search for exemplary Filipino families whose works of compassion and generosity make a significant difference in their communities. Now on its milestone 5^th year, the campaign hopes the new batch of winning families will serve as role models and inspiration for other Filipino families.

Carlito Domulot, the head of the family and the chieftain of their Aeta tribe, fought to secure one of the first Ancestral Domain titles of the Aeta community in an effort to protect them against potential land grabbers. Since then, he and his family have made it their mission to uplift the lives of fellow Aetas.

Caren Domulot teaches the tribe’s high school students as part of their family advocacy.

The Domulots established a school within their community to further educate the younger generation.

When Carlito realized the immense power of education and its positive effects, he equipped himself with the necessary knowledge and skill so that he can impart this to his community. The rest of the family followed suit and pursued various professions—education, urban farming, among other things—to benefit and empower their fellow Aetas.

The Domulot family was able to establish a school within their community and sought the help of different organizations to cover the students’ school supplies. To date, their literacy and livelihood programs have benefitted about 5,000 families.

Today, the Domulots are active members of Lubos ng Alyansa ng mga Katutubong Ayta sa Sambales (LAKAS) which help protect the rights of other indigenous communities and further their education. Carlito now serves as adviser to LAKAS and continues to carry out literacy programs for the Aeta communities.

The family was nominated to the 5^th JFVA by Anicia Guzman, one of the sponsors of the school that the Domulots help built. She lauded the positive impact the family has made and are still creating for the Aetas along with its strong cultural and social implications.

Another witness to the selfless deeds of the family is Essie Villavito who shares the passion of Carlito in helping protect and empower the Aeta tribes.

“Si Kuya Carlito ang nanguna sa preservation ng kanilang cultural heritage along with the Department of Education, so they were able to put up schools in their community. He also attended International conventions for indigenous people, so he really is a great help,” said Villavito.

Carlito and Iril share an inspiring message about their family’s advocacy.

The Domulot family from Botolan, Zambales is recognized for advocating the unification and protection of Aeta tribes around Mt. Pinatubo.

The Domulots received a cash prize of P300,000, a trophy designed by renowned sculptor Michael Cacnio, and P10,000 worth of Jollibee gift certificates. They are among the six winning families, championing various advocacies and equally honored during theGabi ng Parangal para sa Pamilyang Pilipino awards night.