Hope in the Highlands: Kiwanis’ Mission in the Mountains

In the remote heights of Barangay Maasin, San Clemente, Tarlac—about 2,000 feet above sea level—lies Sitio Dueg, home to a resilient community of mostly Aeta families. Life here moves at the pace of the mountains: simple, challenging, and often far removed from the aid and resources enjoyed by lowland communities. For many of the indigenous Aeta children, access to basic school supplies is not a given—it’s a gift.

This year, Kiwanis International Division 2B, under the leadership of Lt. Governor Reynaldo M. Bonaobra, made that gift a reality. As part of their third joint service project, Kiwanis members from across eight clubs braved difficult weather and dangerous roads to deliver school supplies to 120 Aeta children in Sitio Dueg.

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The Journey: Through Mud, Mist, and Mountain Roads

The road to Sitio Dueg is not for the faint of heart. On that day, 7th June 2025, the weather was far from kind—zero visibility, relentless mist, muddy slopes, bumpy rides, and sharp curves made the uphill climb treacherous. The wind howled through the mountain passes, and every kilometer felt like a test of determination.

Safety became a priority. The original plan to distribute the supplies directly to the children in their homes had to be adjusted. Instead, the packages—filled with notebooks, pencils, crayons, and other essentials—were entrusted to the school principal of Dueg Resettlement Elementary School and the barangay leaders for distribution under safer conditions.

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More Than a Mission—A Connection

When the Kiwanians finally stopped for rest, it was not in a comfortable hall or cafeteria, but in a small shack crudely built from salvaged materials—the kind of shelter common in upland Aeta communities. Huddled together in the cold, wet from the climb, they shared a modest meal of boiled eggs, pandesal, and water.

Despite the exhaustion, there were smiles—on the faces of the givers and, later, on the faces of the children who received the supplies. In these mountains, small acts ripple far. A single notebook could mean uninterrupted lessons. A pencil could be the first step in writing a dream.

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Why This Matters: The Aeta Children of Dueg

The Aeta of Sitio Dueg in Barangay Maasin are one of the oldest indigenous groups in the Philippines, with a rich cultural heritage and deep connection to the land. However, their remote location often limits access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.

For children here, school is both a safe space and a bridge to a better future—but only if they have the tools to learn. Something as simple as a complete set of school supplies can make the difference between staying in class or dropping out.

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The Impact Beyond Supplies

This project was not only about delivering notebooks and pencils. It was about bringing hope and showing these children that they are not forgotten. It was about reinforcing the idea that their dreams are worth investing in, no matter how far the road or how harsh the climb.

Lt. Governor Reynaldo M. Bonaobra summed up the spirit of the mission: “Serving is not about convenience—it’s about commitment. When you reach the children who are hardest to reach, you bring the purest form of service.”

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A Call to Keep Climbing

The journey to Sitio Dueg is symbolic of the Kiwanis mission itself—sometimes long, often difficult, but always worth it. Every kilometer climbed is a step toward a brighter future for children who, despite the odds, keep showing up to learn.

If you believe in helping where the need is greatest, we invite you to join hands with Kiwanis Division 2B. Your support—whether through donations, partnerships, or volunteering—can make the climb a little easier and the future a lot brighter for children like those in Sitio Dueg.