Cebu Bajaus, Atis showcase indigenous identity

CEBU CITY -- Members of the Sama Bajau and Ati Indigenous Peoples (IP) community in Cebu City and the Ati and Sama-Bajau women of Barangay South Poblacion, City of Naga, and Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City showed their distinct and traditional identity through a dance presentation during the Indigenous People month celebration organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Field Office at the SM Seaside City, Cebu on the last week of October this year with the theme, “Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan, at Parangalan” (Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge). 

In Central Visayas, there are 17 ICC-IP communities in different cities and municipalities-- two in Cebu; seven in Bohol; and five in Negros Oriental, DSWD-7 IP focal person Jenifer Abastilas said that the celebration is an opportunity to value the importance of the traditional knowledge of the ICC-IP communities, educate the public about their presence, and call for more collective efforts to respond to their needs.

“The celebration also aims to give a venue for the Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples (ICC-IP) to showcase their identity for the public to respect and appreciate, as mandated by Republic Act 8371, or the Indigenous Peoples Rights,” Abastilas added.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Comprehensive Program for Street Children and Street Families in Street Situations and other government agencies joined in the celebration and showed their support by bringing government services to the venue.

Some of the services included the‘AlkanSSSya Program’ of the Social Security System, free medical services of the Department of Health (DOH), information sharing of services by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the WiSupport mental health program of DSWD-7.

The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) brought its free legal services at the venue; the Department of Agriculture (DA) for its seed distribution program; PhilSys registration of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and eye consultation by members of the University of San Carlos Alpha Alumni Association (USC-AAA).

 

Conversations between IP communities, government agencies

The event highlighted the conversations with key members of the Sama-Bajau and Ati communities who shared what the government has done to help them and expressed their concerns on education, housing, and the continuing problems of discrimination and bullying.

The talk also tackled the cultural diversity of the two ICC-IP communities and what the public can learn from them.  Sama-Bajau Tribal Chieftain Felicito Asamsa and Youth Council President Bryan Ismani joined Ati Chieftain Lilia Sanger and Youth Leader Marlou Sanger in the IP Talk moderated by DSWD-7.

“We can say that it is hard to be a member of an IP community because there are some who do not recognize us, especially in the workplace, simply because we are IPs.  But this event listens to what we are experiencing in the community. I believe that IP, like us, also has the capabilities and skills to contribute to the betterment of our country,” Ati Youth Leader Marlou Sanger shared how they to feel discriminated against and experience bullying in society.

“Nagka-daghan na ang mga professionals nga mga Sama-Bajaus and nagpakita kini sa hinay-hinay nga progress para sa among komunidad.” Youth Council President Bryan Ismani shared that the 4Ps program of DSWD has been beneficial to their community of Sama-Bajau.

Ismani bared that the DSWD’s 4Ps has helped the IP community through some projects like the construction of the footbridge in Mambaling and other assistance from some government agencies like the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples regarding birth registration and the Public Attorney’s Office for legal services.

Ismani thanked the DSWD-7 for the completion of the footbridge and was turned over to the partner-beneficiaries of 4Ps in Sitio Alaska, Brgy. Mambaling, Cebu City on September 5, 2023, a cash-for-work project under the 4Ps Enhanced Support Services Intervention.

While they have recognized the importance of education, personal development training, and livelihood programs for the rest of the Sama-Bajau community, they also asked for housing projects or a permanent relocation site from the threat of demolition.

“Housing or a permanent relocation site for us the IPs is the present concern we face in the city.  We hope we can be given a place where we can wake up and not worry about losing our homes.  We also need training that will help equip our youth leaders and transfer their knowledge and skills to the rest of the members of our community,” Ismani stated at the conversation forum.

What the celebration was like

Sama-Bajau Youth Leaders of Brgy. Mambaling, Cebu City led the ecumenical prayer and members of the Kudyapi Dance Troupe of the Cebu Normal University showcased an indigenous people’s cultural performance.

DSWD-7 IP Focal Person for 4Ps, Julito Tajanlangit, presented the DSWD accomplishments for the sector, namely, 4Ps and the COMPRE programs. He shared that the 4Ps follow the framework of the indigenous people, a whole-of-government approach in responding to the critical and sensitive needs of the IP communities.

Tajanlangit bared that 2,587 active IP households in the region have been supported by the 4Ps cash grants, enhanced interventions, and capability-building activities. The COMPRE assisted others with hygiene kits, educational and livelihood assistance, and leadership training for youth members.

DSWD 7 hopes to develop a more harmonious relationship with the ICC-IP partner stakeholders. A manifestation in which members of the ICC-IP communities are allowed to keep their traditions and culture alive, where it is also appreciated.

At the end of the celebration, each member of the Sama-Bajaus and Atis was given cash assistance worth Php 1,000 from the DSWD-7 Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program and five kilos of rice from the University of Alpha Alumni Association for 73 participants.

Three winners of the “IP-Photography Mo!” a photo contest highlighting the way of life of the IP communities, were also announced during the event. (Photos: DSWD7/@Kerwin Macopia)