DSWD inaugurates P3.35-M tribal hall in North Cotabato

MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato—The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) inaugurated here a two-storey tribal hall as part of government’s efforts to promote and preserve Indigenous Peoples rich culture and traditions  in the region.

Cezario Joel Espejo, DSWD regional director, said the P3.35 million worth project was implemented through the agency’s Kalahi-CIDSS Program for Indigenous Peoples funded by Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA), another government program under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process that extends development interventions to isolated, hard-to-reach and conflict-affected communities.

Dir. Espejo described the newly-completed tribal hall as one of the biggest projects  that will benefit the Erumanen Ne Menuvu tribe.

“This is will serve as center for education, policies and activities to advance the welfare and services for Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Cultural Communities,” Espejo added.

Earlier, the government has allotted some P43 million for 30 community projects for Indigenous Peoples communities in the region.

In Region 12, the DSWD has widened its coverage for the program, now working on nine areas with Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title. These include Kitaotao in Bukidnon, Carmen, Arakan, Libungan-Aleosan-Alamada-Midsayap-Pikit in North Cotabato, Malungon and Malapatan in Sarangani and T’boli, Lake Sebu, Norala and Tantangan in South Cotabato. (Hilbert T. Estacion/DSWD)