ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Oct. 27 (PIA) -  The indigenous peoples of Isabela City expressed their gratitude to the government services provided during the three series of Serbisyo Caravan conducted in celebration of IP month this October.

The local government of Isabela City de Basilan through the Public Employment and Service Office (PESO) in collaboration with other stakeholders and partners both in the government and private sector spearheaded the three (3) series of serbisyo caravan  dubbed as “Dia de Isabeleños” to provide free services to the indigenous people in the city.

Around 3,000 indigenous peoples received free services like medical and dental check-up with free medicines provided by the Basilan General Hospital and City Health Office, free hair-cut from the police and military, livelihood support, training services and other assistance from other government agencies like Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and other stakeholders. The Philippine Information Agency and City Information Office also conducted information dissemination on government programs and initiatives. Other offices and stakeholders also provided information to showcased the programs of their respective agency. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) conducted registration for national ID and the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) conducted registration for certificate of Confirmation. Other participating agencies and offices of the city government also offered social services to children, persons with disabilities, solo parents and senior citizens.

The first caravan was conducted in Barangay Sta. Barbara on October 11 for Samal Badjao, the second was in Kumalarang on October 19 for Samal Bangingi, and in Maligue for the Yakan on October 25.

During the caravans, many expressed their appreciation for the immediate and efficient response of the government agencies and offices.

Furthermore, Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman stressed the importance of recognizing the rights of the Indigenous People and providing them with necessary services. She expressed gratitude to all the participating agencies and organization and to the indigenous people.

“We thank you for giving us a reason to fulfill duties. It is not just our responsibility, but we are thankful to have seen that we can achieve more when we work together”, she expressed.

For the part of NCIP, Engr. George Jocutan empowered the IPs as he stressed that they need to stand proud for wahaever tribe they belong. They need to be proud of themselves as indigenous people and as Filipinos.

The three series of Serbisyo Caravan is just one of the many initiatives of the city government to help and promote the rights of indigenous peoples in the city. The city government also spearheaded the first IP Summit and adopt a school program.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Isabela City also passed an ordinance declaring October as IP Month and October 29 of every year as Indigenous Peoples Day in Isabela City. In support to this ordinance, the city government has allocated 1 million pesos for 2023 IP month celebration. (NBE/EDT/NDR-PIA Basilan)