The Department of Social Welfare (DSWD) continues to give support to communities of indigenous peoples in the country by meeting their requests for food assistance.

Last November 30, DSWD Region XI  delivered 2,091 family food packs (FFPs) worth P696,303 to internally displaced persons (IDP) belonging to Manobo tribe families from Brgy. Sto. Nino, Talaingod, Davao del Norte.  The distribution date coincided with the anniversary of the Salugpungan school – a school established by human rights and church-based organizations that advocate IP rights.  A medical mission was also conducted by Fr. Pops. Foundation.

The relief distribution activity was held in  Sitio Tibucag and attended by members of  the Manobo tribe coming from the different sitios of Talaingod.

To ensure smooth and systematic distribution of family food packs, the field office sent two DSWD XI staff from the Disaster unit to assist in the distribution process.  The FO  was acting in positive response to a feedback report proposed by PASAKA —  the Confederation of Lumad Organizations is Southern Mindanao. Talaingod is the site of several Lumad schools. These schools are recognized by the Department of Education.

The school’s curriculum is dedicated not just for the improvement of students from Lumad communities, but also to help the communities themselves. The schools implement agricultural programs and actively advocates  for the preservation of Lumad culture and ancestral land. As such, the school is in solidarity with the Lumad communities against agro-economic ventures that  stand to destroy their communities and their traditional way of life.

Another delivery of family food packs is scheduled on December 7, 2016 in  Purok 4, Brgy Mangayon in Compostela Valley Province. Two more planned delivery of FFPs is schedule will still be determined, but will be within the area of Caraga, Davao Oriental and kapalong, Davao del Norte also in Compostela Valley.

“We recognize the necessity to help our Lumad brothers and sisters in their defense of their ancestral lands and way of life. The DSWD will contribute what it can within its mandate and means to help them survive their difficulties as they continue their struggle for the recognition of their rights and welfare,” said DSWD Sec. Judy M. Taguiwalo.

“We laud the efforts of our FO XI as they reach out to Lumad communities and give them food and other material assistance.  It is important that the DSWD performs its mandate to serve the poorest and marginalized sectors of Philippine society and give priority to their immediate needs,” she said. #