By Brian Campued
“Nandito kami.”
In line with the administration’s broader effort to ensure that no community is left behind in the “Bagong Pilipinas,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday led the “Handog ng Pangulo: Tulong at Serbisyo Para sa Indigenous People (IP) Communities” caravan in Zamboanga City.
The program brought essential government services, livelihood support, and other relief aid to the Sama Bajau IP community in Barangay Sinunuc.
In his speech, Marcos reiterated the government’s commitment to continue providing much-needed assistance to the vulnerable sector, particularly the IPs.
“Marami po tayong serbisyo na ibinibigay. Basta’t patuloy lang po at titiyakin po namin… lalo na kagaya ng ating mga kababayan na medyo malayo ang tirahan ay tinitiyak namin na kahit papaano maabot natin ang lahat ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.
Prior to the caravan, the President witnessed the turnover of 10 boats with fishing accessories to the Maasin Fisherfolk Association at the Sinunuc shoreline. This effort is under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) and Pag-Abot Program.
At the government service caravan in Sinunuc Covered Court, the DSWD provided P10,000 cash aid each to 500 IP families through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program as well as P15,000 each to 100 beneficiaries under the Sustainable Livelihood Program.
In addition, the DSWD distributed grocery packs to 71 families under the Walang Gutom Program and family food packs to around 500 families.
The caravan also offered various services, including civil registry assistance and Philippine Identification System National ID registration, record updates and verification, business and livelihood support, medical and wellness services, labor and employment facilitation, and documentation services.
“Maraming nagte-thank you. Huwag na kayo mag-thank you. Ito ‘yung trabaho namin. Ito lang talaga ang dapat naming ginagawa,” Marcos Jr. said. “Hindi namin ito ititigil. Hangga’t may buhay, itatrabaho namin ito.”
The Chief Executive also touted the strong coordination between the national government and local government units in making sure that programs reach even the most remote communities.
Prior to the main program, the DSWD inaugurated the newly completed 1.40-kilometer barangay road along Araneta Drive in Purok 4. Constructed under the Pag-Abot Program and KALAHI-CIDSS, the infrastructure is expected to enhance access, facilitate local commerce, and boost the overall quality of life in the areas.
-jpv
