DAVAO CITY- The City Government of Davao is eyeing to construct a shelter for transient IPs (Indigenous Peoples) at the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC)

Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre during his speech at the First Cultural Education Symposium held on Jan. 25 at the Holy Cross of Davao College said he has crafted an ordinance to build such shelter.

“Kung munaog na sila, magkasakit, sa SPMC wala sila katulogan, ang gusto ni Mayor Baste naay shelter atuang mga IPs sa SPMC. Libre kaon, libre tulog, libre pa jud hatod (If they go down, when they are sick, in the SPMC they do not have a place to sleep, Mayor Baste wants that our IPs will have a shelter where they have free food, free lodging and free transportation),” Councilor Alejandre said.

He said the project is manifestation of Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s love and concern for the IPs particularly those whose kin are confined at the SPMC.

The proposed shelter will be a two-story building which will serve as sleeping quarters for Lumad and Muslim watchers or those assisting IP patients. The shelter is complete with sleeping area, comfort rooms and eating areas for the watchers.

Councilor Alejandre said he is hopeful the ordinance will be signed next month. This will give legislative authority for the Mayor to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the SPMC to build such shelter. (PIA/RG Alama)