NEW CORELLA, Davao del Norte (DSWD XI) – Some 600 indigenous people from 20 barangays gathered recently at the Municipal Gymnasium for the awarding of Certificate of Ancestral Domain-Title (CAD-T) to the Mangguanan tribe.

Present in the event were former Mayor Nestor L. Alcoran, former Vice Mayor Virgilio Maambog, National Commision on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Chairperson Atty. Leonor Oralde–Quintayo and 20 IP Mandatory Representatives.

“To date, there is a total of 7,800 lumads in the municipality. Kani nga okasyon, ginasaulog usab sa munisipyo ang mga oportunidad nga natagamtaman sa atong mga igsoong lumad pinaagi sa mga proyekto sa nagkalain-laing ahensya. (We celebrate in this occasion as well the various opportunities enjoyed by our lumads through the projects of various agencies),” said Alcoran in his message.

Also discussed at the event were accomplishments of local government and national government agencies relative to programs for the IPs .

For Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Kalahi-CIDSS has completed 20 community sub-projects here with a total grant allocation of P 6,000,00.00 through PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) and 7 sub-projects worth P 9,138,343.00 through Government of Australia – Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (GOA-DFAT) modality.

Kalahi-CIDSS or Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services is a community-driven development program of the Philippine Government aiming to empower people through sustainable development, enhanced participation in local governance, and management of poverty alleviation projects.

The municipality also has a total number of 4,820 beneficiaries under Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, a poverty reduction strategy of the national government that incentivizes families to keep children healthy and in school.

Datu Rodrigo Kegod, Municipal Tribal Chieftain expressed his utmost appreciation to DSWD for opening opportunities to lumads in their municipality.

“Dako ang among pagpasalamat, diin kay gi respeto sa programa ang among kulturanhong katungod bag-o mag implementar ug mga sub-proyekto sa Kalahi (We are very thankful that the program respected our culture, giving considerations before project implementation).

More than the sub-project implementation, it’s the capacity building sessions that helped lumads improve their knowledge and gain new experiences.

In the thanksgiving celebration, the lumads also offered a ritual dance in appreciation for the opportunities provided them. (DSWD)