SAINT BERNARD, Southern Leyte (PIA) -- In celebration of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month, the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Southern Leyte spearheaded a two-day collaborative program for the Mamanwa, an IP community residing here.

The activity was held at the gym of Brgy. Lower Bantawon on October 10-11.

It was conducted along with other stakeholders such as the Tech-Voc Schools Association of Southern Leyte, some national line agencies, and offices from local government units of the province and the municipality.

The provincial government was represented by Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Myra Rentuza of the Second District, while LGU-Saint Bernard was represented by Felix Olor, CSO focal person.

During the opening program, Rolando Bade, TESDA provincial director, disclosed the launching of Basic Sustainable Farming Training for more than 30 individual IPs and their families, while representatives and heads of other agencies and offices expressed support by way of extending their respective  programs and services.

Lower Bantawon Punong Barangay Rolando Sibay said he was grateful for the intervention of the various offices, adding that the barangay LGU has adopted the Mamanwa IP community as part of his constituents with equal rights and protection with everyone else in the barangay.

There was a medical mission by the provincial and municipal governments, and the tech-voc schools association on the second day, as well as a lecture on IP rights and responsibilities, also by the tech-voc group. (LDL/MMP/PIA Southern Leyte)