Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo spearheaded the distribution of cash assistance to Sama Bajau in Region IX on November 28-29.

Some 488 members of the Sama Bajau communities from various barangays in Zamboanga City received Php 10,000 from the Department through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

In his message, Secretary Tulfo said that DSWD continues to vow to improve the well-being of its intended sectors, including the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) in coordination with the local government units. This is in response to the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to bring government programs and services closer to IP communities

Aside from the provision of cash aid, birth registration was also conducted through the City’s Civil Registrar’s Office for the beneficiaries. This will provide more opportunities for the Sama Bajau to be eligible for the programs and services offered by DSWD and other government offices.

In a related development, the DSWD also extended cash assistance worth Php10,000 to Sama Bajau in Isabela City in the province of Basilan on November 29.

Secretary Tulfo along with some personnel of DSWD-Field Office IX conducted a cash payout activity for some 500 Sama Bajau from barangays Carbon, Diki, Lampinigan, Lukbuton, Marang-Marang, Panigayan, and Tampalan.

Immediate assistance to fire victims in Isabela City

On the same day, the DSWD also responded to the needs of the victims of the fire incident in barangay Tabuk, Isabela City.

Secretary Tulfo personally handed over the family food packs and sleeping kits to the 28 affected families.

Aside from these relief items, the Department also provided Php 5,000 cash assistance to the fire victims.

Secretary Tulfo assured the public of the DSWD’s swift and continued response in times of emergencies. ###