The said Sama-Bajaus are beneficiaries of different programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) including the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer Program (MCCT) for IPs and the Comprehensive Program for Sama-Bajau.
With the theme “Katutubong kultura, pagyamanin. Kalinangan at kakayahang Sama-Bajau, palakasin,” the activity provided opportunities for Sama-Bajau beneficiaries to develop their potentials to get them out of the streets and encourage them to work for their respective families.
This activity was spearheaded by the DSWD, together with its partner national government agencies, non-government organizations and local government units (LGUs).
Sessions conducted during the activity include orientation on technical vocational education for IPs provided by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, discussion on the anti-mendicancy law and drug prevention awareness provided by the Philippine National Police and skills caravan providing lessons on doormat making, vinegar making and sewing provided by Ten Foundation, an NGO partner of the DSWD.
“Kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng tulong na ibinibigay sa amin ng pamahalaan. Ituturo po namin ang aming mga natutunan sa iba pa naming kasamahan na Sama-Bajau para sabay-sabay na umunlad ang aming buhay,” shared Nulhidaya Biri Bayani, 25, an MCCT beneficiary from Brgy. Wawa in Batangas City.
In the celebration in Batangas City, the LGU and the Department of Agriculture (DA) provided an orientation on the agricultural programs for the Sama-Bajaus that will provide training on farming techniques and distribute seedlings to IP beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, in Balayan town, the celebration also became a venue for the formal launching of the IP Education led by the Department of Education. The IP Education provides formal education and Alternative Learning System mode of education to Sama-Bajau in the municipality where Sama-Bajaus are provided with their own classroom while being prepared to be mainstreamed with the other students.
“Kami ay patuloy na magbibigay serbisyo, kasama ang iba’t ibang ahensiya at organisasyon, para tuloy-tuloy na makita ang pagbabago at pag-unlad sa kalagayan ng bawat pamilyang Sama-Bajau,” said DSWD IV-A Regional Director Leticia T. Diokno to the IP beneficiaries during the celebration.# with reports from JMNodora