The DSWD Field Office Caraga joined the Kalinga Alay sa Katutubo: Service Caravan for the Mamanwa Community at Sitio Inajaw, Barangay Bangonay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.
The caravan is an initiative of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples – Caraga Region, one of the programs in line with its commitment to protect and promote the interest and well-being of the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples.
Programs and services of the DSWD such as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Sustainable Livelihood Program, KALAHI-CIDSS, Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program, Supplementary Feeding Program, and Crisis Intervention Section took part in the activity. They assisted the Mamanwa community by distributing information, education, and communication materials and setting up a consultation booth to address the inquires of the community.
In addition, the DSWD FO Caraga also interviewed qualified and potential beneficiaries of the programs and services of the Agency.
During the caravan, one of the members of the Mamanwa community showed his gratitude and appreciation for the event.
“Salamat ani nga kalihukan aron makahibalo sab kami sa mga programa sa gobyerno. Dakong tabang gyud kini sa amo (We are grateful for this activity because we get informed of the programs of the government. This [service cravan] is of great help to us)”, he said.
Aside from the said activity, DSWD Field Office Caraga also actively participates in other peace and service caravans of various line agencies to help disseminate information about the different National Government programs in the communities, especially those located in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).
Other government agencies and private organizations such as the Department of Health, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, PhilHealth, and the Land Transportation Office took part in the activity and offered their respective services. The Local Government Unit of Jabonga gave their full support to the conduct of the activity, ensuring the success of the caravan.
Activities in the caravan include legal consultation, operation “tuli”, medical and dental check-ups, distribution of over-the-counter medicines and vitamins, handing out of school supplies to IP children, birth and voters registration, and other basic services. Private partners also extended their services such as the Agata Mining Corporation.