TAGBINA, Surigao del Sur -- To better assist the indigenous peoples (IP) from two dominant tribes of Mandaya and Manobo, in the municipality of Tagbina, and the preservation of their tradition, culture and identity, the ceremonial ground breaking and ribbon-cutting of the region’s first-ever IP cultural center took place in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, with project cost of over P5 million on October 2, 2023.
The said activity signaled the start of the construction of the said facility that would serve as a hub of services for the IPs such as skills development, livelihood training, meetings and convergence, and other activities stipulated in the IP master plan, according to Glenn Lazaro of the local government unit of Tagbina.
"The project implementation is funded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Cargaa, under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI CIDSS) Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan – Indigenous People Community-Driven Development (PAMANA-IP CDD) program that contibuted the amout of P4.2 million, and the counterpart will be shouldered by the LGU, including the acquisition of the land and additional fund worth P1 million to complete the facility amenities," Lazaro shared.
"It will be fully inclusive, equipped with facilities for persons with disabilities (PWDs), including PWD-ready toilets, a water storage tank, and a ramp for easy accessibility, all ensuring that it benefits every member of the community," Lazaro added.
DSWD Caraga regional program coordinator (RPC) of KALAHI CIDSS, Bennette Dave C. Calo, and Tagbina Mayor Glaiza Jane Polizon-Lanete, jointly presided over the ceremonial groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting.
National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) provincial chief, Engr. Charlyn Binghoy, confirmed that the facility is the first IP Cultural Center in Caraga region and the only in the province of Surigao del Sur.
The IP mandatory representative Hawudon Nelbert P. Sahay was grateful for the efforts made by the government though the realization of the facility that fairly recognized the tribes in their municipality, and the province as well.
Ako gipasabot sa akong mga kaubanan tribo dinhi isip representante sa hawanan sa konseho, nga giila na gayud ang katungod namo isip tribu, pinasubay sa nakakantar sa IPRA Law, ang among katungod sa social justice and human rights, wala na gayud kami mapihig (I told my tribal colleagues that as a representative in the municipal council, our right as a tribe has been recognized, in accordance with what is written in the IPRA Law, on the right to social justice and human rights. We have seen an end to discrimination )," Sahay gladly shared.
The IPMR added that some 16 barangays in Tagbina served as the home of the IP tribes, of which 11 of them have successfully placed IP representatives in their respective barangay councils," Sahay noted. (NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
