1st IP cultural center in Caraga, to rise in Tagbina
TAGBINA, Surigao del Sur -- To better assist the indigenous peoples (IP) from two dominant tribes of Mandaya and Manobo, in the municipality of Tagbina, and the preservation of their tradition, culture and identity, the ceremonial ground breaking and ribbon-cutting of the region’s first-ever IP cultural center took place in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, with project cost of over P5 million on October 2, 2023.
The said activity signaled
the start of the construction of the said facility that would serve as a hub of
services for the IPs such as skills development, livelihood training, meetings
and convergence, and other activities stipulated in the IP master plan,
according to Glenn Lazaro of the local government unit of Tagbina.
"The project
implementation is funded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) Cargaa, under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive Integrated
Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI CIDSS) Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan – Indigenous People
Community-Driven Development (PAMANA-IP CDD) program that contibuted the amout
of P4.2 million, and the counterpart will be shouldered by the LGU, including
the acquisition of the land and additional fund worth P1 million to complete
the facility amenities," Lazaro shared.
"It will be fully
inclusive, equipped with facilities for persons with disabilities (PWDs),
including PWD-ready toilets, a water storage tank, and a ramp for easy
accessibility, all ensuring that it benefits every member of the
community," Lazaro added.
DSWD Caraga regional
program coordinator (RPC) of KALAHI CIDSS, Bennette Dave C. Calo, and Tagbina
Mayor Glaiza Jane Polizon-Lanete, jointly presided over the ceremonial
groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting.
National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) provincial chief, Engr. Charlyn Binghoy, confirmed that the facility is the first IP Cultural Center in Caraga region and the only in the province of Surigao del Sur.
The IP mandatory
representative Hawudon Nelbert P. Sahay was grateful for the efforts made by
the government though the realization of the facility that fairly recognized
the tribes in their municipality, and the province as well.
“Ako gipasabot sa akong
mga kaubanan tribo dinhi isip representante sa hawanan sa konseho, nga giila na
gayud ang katungod namo isip tribu, pinasubay sa nakakantar sa IPRA Law, ang
among katungod sa social justice and human rights, wala na gayud kami mapihig (I told my tribal colleagues that as a representative in
the municipal council, that our right as a tribe has been recognized, in
accordance with what is written in the IPRA Law, our right to social justice
and human rights, we have seen an end to discrimination ),"
Sahay gladly shared.
The IPMR added that some 16 barangays in Tagbina served as the home of the IP tribes, of which 11 of them have successfully placed IP representatives in their respective barangay councils," Sahay noted. (NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
