DSWD turns over 1st tribal center in Caraga to Surigao Sur town
By Nida
Grace P. Barcena
TAGBINA,
Surigao del Sur -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
regional office in Caraga recently turned over the indigenous people's (IP)
cultural center to the municipality of Tagbina in the province of Surigao del
Sur.
DSWD
Undersecretary Pinky Romualdez led the turnover and inauguration of the
facility.
This
serves as the first IP cultural center in the Caraga region.
DSWD Undersecretary Pinky Romualdez led the turnover of the first
indigenous peoples cultural center in Caraga Region to the municipality
of Tagbina, Surigao del Sur. Photo courtesy of DSWD Caraga.
According
to Tagbina Special Programs Division chief Glenn B. Lazaro, the event was a
vibrant celebration of the region's rich cultural heritage, of which a
traditional IP ritual and blessing, invoking the spirits' guidance on the
momentous occasion, took place during the inauguration. It was then followed by
the ribbon-cutting ceremony, unveiling the cultural center's marker that
signifies its official opening.
Lazaro
said, “A presentation and the signing of the partnership agreement took place
between the DSWD with its grant and the local government unit through its local
counterpart contribution (LCC) for the IP cultural center with a total project
cost of P6.1 million.”
The
ceremony highlighted the symbolic turnover of the key of responsibility,
signifying the cascading of the duties of managing the sub-project to the
different stakeholders,” Lazaro added.
After the
turn-over rights, Tagbina Municipal Indigenous People Mandatory Representative
(IPMR) Hawudon Nelbert Sahay expressed gratitude for the realization of the
project that will serve as a hub for preserving indigenous culture, tradition,
and history.
A turnover of the key of responsibility highlighted the inauguration of
the first indigenous people's (IP) cultural center in Caraga region as
witnessed by DSWD Undersecretary Pinky Romualdez, Atty. Bernadette
Mapue-Joaquin, KALAHI-CIDSS national project management office manager;
DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor A. Dollaga, NCIP Regional
Director Ordonio Rocero; Tagbina Mayor Glaiza Jane Polizon-Lanete; and
Hinatuan Mayor Shem G. Garay. Photo courtesy of DSWD Caraga.
Sahay
emphasized that the center will also provide a space for indigenous communities
to come together, share experiences, and strengthen cultural connections. It
can also serve as a venue for community events, gatherings, and
celebrations, as well as as a meeting place for tribal councils and
organizations.
Second
District Rep. Johnny T. Pimentel also delivered his message to support the
welfare of the IPs in the province.
It can be
recalled that the project started in 2023 and its contract was signed on Sept.
28 last year, signifying a monumental leap toward realizing the IP cultural
center’s vision as a commitment to preserve and celebrate Tagbina’s indigenous
roots and promote its unique cultural heritage.
The
establishment of the cultural center was realized through the collaboration of
the DSWD Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan - Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery
of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), National Commission on Indigenous People
(NCIP), LGU of Tagbina, barangay LGU, and tribal communities of Manobo and
Mandaya.
The significant activity was also witnessed by Atty. Bernadette Mapue-Joaquin, KALAHI-CIDSS national project management office manager; DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor A. Dollaga, NCIP Regional Director Ordonio Rocero; Tagbina Mayor Glaiza Jane Polizon-Lanete; and Hinatuan Mayor Shem G. Garay. (NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
