MALAYBALAY CITY — A team of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) workers made the difficult journey to provide essential services to the Talaandig Tribe in Sitio Balaudo, Barangay St. Peter, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
The team faced an 18-kilometer trek on muddy, steep roads made more challenging by rain. They used a skylab, a modified motorcycle with an extended platform and shock suspension, to navigate the terrain. Starting from Barangay St. Peter, 34.1 kilometers from Malaybalay City, they crossed the Pantaron Range and arrived in Sitio Balaudo around noon after leaving at 5:00 a.m.
The team included a Social Welfare Officer III, social workers from the City Action Team (CAT) of Malaybalay City, and 4Ps focal persons from the Provincial Operations Office (POO) of Bukidnon.
Balaudo is home to 62 Talaandig families, 28 of whom are 4Ps beneficiaries.
Upon arrival, the team administered social welfare programs, including social welfare and development indicators (SWDI) for 4Ps households, counseling for families with children not attending school, and an inventory of those yet to register for the Philippine National Identification System. They organized a feeding session for children in the community
“It’s truly a blessing to have safely reached Sitio Balaudo, a challenging trek through thick forests,” said Josie Abanil, Social Welfare Officer III of POO Bukidnon.
Abanil praised the CAT Malaybalay for their initiative, dedication, and resilience in reaching underserved communities.
Providing essential supplies
For the Talaandig Tribe, rice is a rare luxury, with sweet potatoes and taro serving as staple foods.
Understanding this, the 4Ps team secured 300 kilos of rice from donors, which the community used as an alternative snack. Additionally, the team provided a sack of rock salt, which the tribe typically sources from distant locations.
Reaching isolated communities
The success of this mission has inspired plans for further outreach efforts to bring essential government services to more isolated areas.
Abanil confirmed that the team is working on extending its reach to communities facing geographic and economic challenges.
Convergence efforts
The journey to Balaudo iwas made safer and more efficient through the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders.
The Philippine Army was key in securing the 4Ps team and the tribal community. A detachment along the route conducted headcounts and secured the area ahead of the outreach program.
Five volunteer teachers from Balaudo Elementary School also facilitated communication and provided a venue for the activity.
Despite the difficult conditions, the 4Ps workers remain committed to serving communities in need. As they left the village late at night, carrying with them the gratitude of the people, their journey reflected the dedication of social workers determined to reach every community.
Northern Mindanao has 49,118 Indigenous households benefiting from 4Ps, with Bukidnon province having the most at 29,991 families. (DSWD-10/PIA-10)
