In a continued effort to support vulnerable communities, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through its Comprehensive Program for Children, Families, Indigenous People, and Other Individuals in Street Situations (Compre Program), distributed hygiene kits and school supplies to 218 Sama Bajau children in Surigao City.

The activity, held on September 26, 2024, at Taft National High School, was facilitated by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). This initiative is part of the DSWD’s mission to promote education and sanitation among marginalized groups, especially the Sama Bajau children who face heightened risks due to their mobility and street situations.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Surigao City has been working to empower the Sama Bajaus by promoting education, supporting livelihoods, and reducing mendicancy, particularly among children, to help improve their life situations and reduce their vulnerabilities.

The Compre Program of DSWD on the other hand, established under Memorandum Circular No. 21, aims to provide services that reduce vulnerabilities and enhance the protection of street children, families, and Indigenous Peoples. Through partnerships with LGUs like Surigao City, the program addresses key issues such as literacy, health, and the community’s overall well-being, helping to empower the Sama Bajau by promoting education and awareness on policies that improve their life circumstances.