Robin: End annual ‘begging’ of IPs in Manila streets during holidays
TO finally stop the seemingly endless cycle of Badjaos and other indigenous peoples (IPs) forced to travel to Metro Manila at Christmas time and risk their lives while begging for alms, it is time they get priority long-term livelihood assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla made this call Wednesday to officials of the two agencies during a hearing on the DSWD’s budget for 2023.
Padilla, who chairs the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs, added he is ready to coordinate with the agencies to help the IPs.
“Tuwing dadating ang Kapaskuhan, nakikita po natin ang ating mga katutubo sa iba’t-ibang kalsada kasama ang kanilang mga anak lalo ang mga kapatid kong Badjao… Kukunin sila, tapos ibabalik sa lugar nila, babalik din sila dito,” Padilla said.
Padilla suggested that the DSWD can arrange with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to teach them to earn a living without risking their lives.
“Napakasakit tingnan,” Padilla said since the IPs are going to Manila and begging for alms, considering are of “royal blood.”
DSWD Sec. Erwin Tulfo said his department has programs like “Balik Probinsya” and Kalahi-CIDSS to help the IPs once they are brought to their homes, adding these must be implemented this year so they need not return to Manila next year.
For his part, NCIP Chairman Allen Capuyan said they plan to replicate the program of the Davao City government, where IPs are gathered at a venue for a cultural presentation, and donors at sponsors can go there.
Capuyan added they are coordinating with TESDA to teach IPs about weaving.
