Indigenous People who are members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program – Modified Conditional Cash Transfer attended an orientation on the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) recently conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) at Best Western Hotel Ermita, Manila.

The event, launched in observance of the celebration of the 2018 International Day of the Philippine Indigenous Peoples, aimed to orient Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) about their rights.

Mr. Renato B. Magnaye from the National Commission of Indigenous People (NCIP) gave a presentation on the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, which recognizes, promotes and protects the rights of IPs and ICCs.

During the event, DSWD-NCR also discussed its interventions and programs in upholding human rights. The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program provides cash grants to poor households including IPs with children 0-18 years old provided they comply with the conditions of the program such as sending their children to school, bringing them for regular check-ups at their respective health centers and attending Family Development Sessions.

The Modified Conditional Cash Transfer under the Pantawid Pamilya for Indigenous Peoples was created to match the culture and traditions of IPs and ICCs.

Speaking during the event, IP Tribal Parent Leader Aysha Sabral cited how the MCCT program has helped the sector. She said that under the program, children of IP households were safer. Healthcare has become more accessible for them and they have also earned money through the Cash for Work Program.

“Ang laki po ng pinagbago ng aming pamumuhay nang maging miyembro kami ng programa.  Ngayon ay marunong na din kaming makisalamuha sa maraming tao, kasi dati nahihiya kami. Ngayon ay proud po kami at nalaman namin na kaya pala naming makipagsabayan. Kahit Badjao, kaya naman pala,” she added.

Another initiative launched by DSWD-NCR to empower and protect IPs in the region was the Task Force Sama-Bajau. Project Development Officer III Pilar R. Santiago presented the different activities undertaken by the task force in order to promote the welfare of IPs in NCR.

A dialogue between MCCT IP members and officials from DSWD-NCR was facilitated at the end of the event in order to address the different concerns and an issue experienced by the sector. ###

Please share