DSWD-13 hosts indigenous empowerment dialogue
BUTUAN CITY -- In a significant move towards empowering indigenous communities, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga recently held a two-day consultation dialogue which brought together Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) representatives and IP community leaders.
This dialogue strengthened the collaboration in implementing the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) through the Indigenous Peoples Participatory Framework (IPPF).
The dialogue provided an opportunity for the indigenous people of Caraga to be updated on the various programs and services made available to them by DSWD Caraga.
It served as an avenue to voice their concerns, discuss pressing issues relevant to their communities. Central themes included addressing the gaps in educational support, particularly extending 4Ps benefits to college-level students, and the challenges of compliance with health and family development requirements due to socio-cultural obligations.
During the second day of the consultation, participants from various provinces engaged in a set of workshops led by provincial links and community facilitators. Ample time was allocated for each province to discuss the contributions and effects of the program on Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT), and creating action plans regarding relevant issues and concerns.
One of the highlights was the discussion of the program on MCCT which provides targeted support to IP communities. Updates on livelihood projects, health services, and educational initiatives showcased the government’s commitment to uplifting IPs' socio-economic status.
This dialogue reinforced DSWD Caraga's dedication to ensuring that the voices of indigenous peoples are heard, particularly in shaping policies and programs that directly affect their communities. With recommendations for stronger partnerships and improved program implementation, the dialogue marked a step forward in addressing the unique needs of IPs in Caraga. (DSWD-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
