By Armie Llamas
Dear mindful readers,
Unknown to most parts of the country, hundreds of indigenous Aeta families peacefully live deep in the forested areas of Subic Bay Freeport. These families have survived and surmounted changes in their environment and way of life.
In the heart of Subic Bay is the Aeta Ambala community of Pastolan in Hermosa, Bataan. Long before the bustling freeport of Subic Bay emerged as an economic powerhouse, it was already home to an Indigenous cultural community (ICC), who lived harmoniously within their ancestral land for centuries. The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) history is deeply intertwined with the ICC’s struggles and enduring connection to the land that shaped its identity and future.
Recognizing the unique contributions of indigenous peoples (IPs) in molding the intricate identity of the Filipino people, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formulated instrumentalities that would ensure the protection of their rights and the preservation of their culture and heritage. “Their unique spiritual beliefs and traditions, coupled with their symbiotic connection with nature, make them formidable guardians of our heritage and worthy protectors of our lands and resources,” he said.
The Aetas have called the lush and mystical forests and mountains surrounding Subic Bay their home for generations, long before the arrival of foreign colonial powers. They lived off the land, practicing sustainable agriculture, hunting, and foraging while preserving their cultural traditions. The arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century marked the beginning of disruptions to their way of life, as their ancestral lands were claimed for military use.
The Aetas and their ancestral lands
According to studies, the Aetas occupied their lands several moons before the Spaniards’ “discovery” of Subic Bay in 1572 and its subsequent conversion to an American Military Reservation in 1903. The community leaders lived in Boton, Binictican, and Kalayaan, relying on their surroundings for food, water, and shelter. Meanwhile, the community lived a quiet life; each member was raised on the discipline of helping one another and maximizing available resources.
The Subic Bay Naval Base was established during the American colonial period. The Aeta community adapted to this change by farming vegetables and crops depending on the season, a skill they mastered over time. They sold their produce to American soldiers as a primary source of livelihood.
When the Americans took control of Subic Bay in the early 20th century, they expanded the naval base, further displacing the Aetas from their ancestral lands. Despite these upheavals, the Aetas adapted and found ways to coexist with the growing military presence while striving to preserve their culture.
In 1961, the expansion of the Naval Base pushed the ICC further to New Çabalan in Olongapo City, where they migrated, led by then Tribal Chieftain Damaso Caballero, after being said to have forged an agreement with then Olongapo officials and an unnamed American representative.
In New Cabalan, the Aeta community was said to be isolated. Residents from outside the community, the “units,” or straight-haired people, were said to have provided members of the community with a measly 15×30 square meters of land. These dire circumstances motivated the Aetas to pursue their ancestral right to own land where they could freely exist and practice their traditional ways of fishing and farming. Employment opportunities were also scarce for them in Olongapo.
To address this, the then Commission on Integration sought amenable solutions. However, the community stood its ground and insisted that it owned Boton, Binictican, and Kalayaan and should, therefore, be allowed back into the Subic naval base.
In 1970, the Aeta community left New Cabalan, Olongapo City, and returned to Pastolan, Hermosa, Bataan, situated within the American naval base. Here they were able to coexist harmoniously with the American naval force.
The turning point: The birth of SBMA
The closure of the U.S. naval base in 1992 brought challenges and opportunities to the tribal community. As the Philippine government took over the area, they once again fought for their rights to their ancestral lands. Over time, the creation of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in 1992 through Republic Act no. 7227, or the “Bases Conversion and Development Act,” opened doors for collaboration and recognition of their role in the future of the economic zone.
Under the leadership of then SBMA Chairman Feliciano Salonga and Administrator Armand Arreza, efforts were initiated to formulate a contract for a joint management agreement between the SBMA and the Ambala ICC to ensure that the community receives its share of royalties from the utilization of portions of ancestral land to house domestic and foreign investors.
Known today as the Joint Management Agreement (JMA), the SBMA religiously disburses cash, provides in-kind support, builds infrastructure, provides training and education, and provides other tangible and intangible benefits to the Aeta community. To date, the total has already amounted to P212,318,412.35.
Preserving Heritage Amid Progress
In 2009, the Ambala Aeta community received their Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT), which formally turned over 4,283 hectares of land within Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) to the Pastolan community, represented by its tribal council and Council of Elders at Floridablanca, Pampanga. This is after 15 years of seemingly insurmountable funding struggles and political challenges from changes in the country’s leadership.
Christine Frenilla, the incumbent tribal chieftain cites that much of their way of life has changed. Of the 420 families residing in Pastolan, some 120 are employed by SBMA, while others have found employment in factories and other establishments within the Freeport.
Through the JMA, revenue shares received by the community were divided into four fund accounts based on the community’s Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan or ADSDPP: community funds, organization, education, and emergency funds. 50% for community funds, 25% for organizations, 15% for education, and 10% for their emergency fund.
These are deposited in various banking institutions of their choice. From the community funds, they purchased a vehicle for their operations, renovated the tribal hall, and improved their tourism facilities, to name a few. The community receives between P12 and 14 million annually as revenue share from the SBMA. These funds are also used to defray medical expenses of community members, scholarships for deserving IP youth, and salaries of tribal leaders.
Frenilla highly recognizes the financial contribution of the SBMA to the community. “Malaki ang lupa namin pero kung wala ang SBMA, wala rin kami,” she says. (We’d have nothing without SBMA.)
The biggest change in their way of life is that only very few still practice hunting and farming to provide for their families. Most of their youth are enrolled in tertiary education or have already earned college degrees.
“Iyong pagbubundok, pagtatanim, madalang na kasi kailangan na rin namin sumabay sa pagbabago ng panahon at karamıhan din sa amin ay nagtatrabaho na sa SBMA,” Frenilla says. (Farming is now rarely practiced because we also have to adapt to change and most of us are already employed by SBMA)
The history of the Pastolan Aeta community and the SBMA is a story of resilience and partnership. As Subic Bay Freeport thrives as a hub of economic activity, the Aetas remain its living link to the past, a reminder of the land’s original stewardship. Their journey underscores the importance of honoring Indigenous communities while pursuing progress—a balance that ensures no one is left behind.
In Subic Bay’s ever-evolving story, the Aetas are more than just observers; they are participants, protectors, storytellers, and, most importantly, partners in the country’s progress and development. Their enduring connection to the land and ability to adapt to change reflect the spirit of Subic Bay—where heritage and economic development walk hand in hand.
“Drawing from our genuine desire to accord our Indigenous brothers and sisters the recognition they rightfully deserve, let it be known that the government reassures them of its high regard for their invaluable role in the country’s vibrant and colorful heritage and that we shall endeavor to preserve and protect their cultural integrity, commit to being responsive to their needs, and work consistently to protect their ancestral rights and their way of life,” said President Marcos.
Love and light,
Iamempress22
