Members of the Sama Bajau and Ati Indigenous Peoples (IP) community showed their distinct cultural and traditional identity through a dance presentation during the IP month celebration organized by DSWD Field Office 7-Central Visayas at the SM Seaside City, Cebu, on October 25, 2024.

Carried out with a theme “Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan, at Parangalan” (Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge), the celebration aims to give a venue for the Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples (ICC-IP) to showcase their identity for the public to respect and appreciate, as mandated by Republic Act 8371, or the Indigenous Peoples Rights.

DSWD 7 IP Welfare Sector led the celebration in collaboration with the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Comprehensive Program for Street Children and Street Families in Street Situations, and other government agencies.

The agency’s focal person for IP, Jenifer C. Abastilas, shared that the celebration is an opportunity to value the importance of the traditional knowledge of the ICC-IP communities, educate the public about their presence, and call for more collective efforts to respond to their needs.

In the Central Visayas, there are 17 ICC-IP communities in different cities and municipalities. Breakdown as follows: 2 in Cebu, 7 in Bohol, and 5 in Negros Oriental.

Partner organizations have shown their support by bringing their services to the venue, like the ‘AlkanSSSya Program’ of the Social Security System, free medical services of the Department of Health, information sharing of services by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the WiSupport mental health program of DSWD 7, free legal services by the Public Attorneys Office, seed distribution from the Department of Agriculture, PhilSys registration of the Philippine Statistics Authority, and eye consultation by members of the University of San Carlos Alpha Alumni Association.

The event highlighted conversations with key members of the Sama-Bajau and Ati communities who shared what the government has done to help them and expressed their concerns on education, housing, and the continuing problems of discrimination and bullying. The talk also tackled the cultural diversity of the two ICC-IP communities and what the public can learn from them.

Ati Youth Leader Marlou Sanger expressed that they continue to feel discriminated against and experience bullying in society. “We can say that it is hard to be a member of an IP community because there are some who do not recognize us, especially in the workplace, simply because we are IPs,” he said.

“But this event listens to what we are experiencing in the community. I believe that IP, like us, also has the capabilities and skills to contribute to the betterment of our country,” he added.

On the other hand, Youth Council President Bryan Ismani shared that the 4Ps program of DSWD has been beneficial to their community of Sama-Bajau. “Nagka-daghan na ang mga professionals nga mga Sama-Bajaus and nagpakita kini sa hinay-hinay nga progress para sa among komunidad.”

He also expressed gratitude for the footbridge project, within the framework of the Enhanced Social Support Services (ESSI) intervention of DSWD’s 4Ps, and other assistance received from government agencies like the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples regarding birth registration and the Public Attorneys Office for legal services.

While they have recognized the importance of education, personal development training, and livelihood programs for the rest of the Sama-Bajau community, they are seen to help improve their economic well-being.

Housing or a permanent relocation site from the threat of demolition is also among the present concerns they face in the community. “Unta, mahatagan mi og safe place where we can wake up and not worry about losing our homes. We also need training that will help equip our youth leaders and transfer their knowledge and skills to the rest of the members of our community,” Ismani shared.

During the celebration, the IP Focal Person for 4Ps, Julito R. Tajanlangit, presented the DSWD accomplishments for the sector, namely, 4Ps and the COMPRE programs. He shared that the 4Ps follow the framework of the indigenous people, a whole-of-government approach in responding to the critical and sensitive needs of the IP communities.

Accordingly, 2,587 active IP households in the region have been supported by the 4Ps cash grants, enhanced interventions, and capability-building activities. The COMPRE assisted others with hygiene kits, educational and livelihood assistance, and leadership training for youth members.

DSWD 7 hopes to develop a more harmonious relationship with the ICC-IP partner stakeholders. A manifestation in which members of the ICC-IP communities are allowed to keep their traditions and culture alive, where it is also appreciated.

At the end of the celebration, each member of the Sama-Bajaus and Atis was given cash assistance worth Php 1,000 from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program of DSWD 7 and five (5) kilos of rice from the University of Alpha Alumni Association for 73 participants.

Three winners of the “IP-Photography Mo!,” a photo contest highlighting the way of life of the IP communities, were also announced. ###

 

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