In order to recognize the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) participation and contribution in the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in the region, the Department of Social Welfare and Development National Capital Region (DSWD NCR) conducted the IP/Cultural Sensitivity Assessment and Planning Workshop on November 12-13, 2018 at Icon Hotel Timog, Quezon City.
Pantawid Pamilya Parent Leaders, youth, and members with IP affiliation from several Local Government Units (LGU) in NCR participated in the activity which aimed to identify the pressing issues and concerns faced by the sector.
In his opening remarks, Pantawid Pamilya Regional Program Coordinator Joel D. Cam said that there are 762 active Indigenous People in the program in NCR. He also underlined that part of the policy and the mandate of the program is to conduct activities designed for the IP Sector.
One of the highlights of the activity was the sharing of stories/experiences of IP participants. Majority of the participants shared why they relocated to the urban area. They also discussed their economic, political, and social experiences while living in NCR and as members of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
A discussion on cultural sensitivity and other topics concerning IPs including the IPRA law was presented by the Regional Indigeneous People Officer, King Reynan Heres and Mr. Cam.
The Pantawid Pamilya 2019 Indigenous People’s Plan, presented by Mr. Cam, included the proposed activities that were focused on the IP members who were part of the program.
Representatives from partner National Government Agencies (NGAs), including the Presidential Commission on Urban Poor (PCUP), the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), along with the Pantawid Pamilya Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) were present during the event to formalize their commitment towards IP sensitive delivery of service.
Comments and recommendations were provided by the IP members, representatives from NGAs and the Pantawid Pamilya RPMO staff to enhance the 2019 Indigenous People’s Plan, ensuring that the social interventions provided by the Department will be culturally and ethnically appropriate. ###