ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) — The Municipal Government of Maluso, in partnership with Relief International and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, launched an economic development initiative aimed at empowering 687 Bajau households across four barangays in Maluso, Basilan.
The program was held in celebration of the municipality’s 49th Founding Anniversary.
Dubbed “Kalluman: Sustaining Birth Registration through Livelihood Support for the Bajau Communities,” the initiative hoped to address the risks of statelessness faced by the Bajau, a marginalized indigenous group in southern Philippines.
The event was highlighted by the unveiling of the Kalluman Bajau project billboard by Maluso Mayor Han Bud and Relief International Senior Training Coordinator Jules Benitez during the week-long festivities.
“This program embodies our inclusive development strategy, particularly for indigenous groups like the Bajau,” said Mayor Bud.
He emphasized that the livelihood initiatives are aligned with the Bajau’s traditional skills, such as fishing, banca building, and handicrafts, ensuring sustainable income-generating opportunities.
Benitez noted the program’s vision to transform Bajau communities from being at risk of statelessness to becoming valuable contributors to the economy.
He highlighted the Bajau’s potential in the fishing, seaweed, and maritime industries, which has often been overshadowed by their plight as street dwellers.
The project involved installing community economic facilities (CEFs) identified through consultations, aimed at boosting the Bajau’s productivity. Target barangays include Sama Village, Main Shipyard, Shipyard Tabuk, and Townsite.
Kalluman is part of the “Initiative for Promoting Digital Birth Registration in the Bangsamoro Region,” implemented by UNHCR in partnership with the region’s Ministry of Social Services and Development, Philippine Statistics Authority, OPAPRU, UNICEF Philippines, Community and Family Services International, and Relief International.
Funded by the Embassy of Japan, the campaign enhanced birth registration among marginalized groups such as the Bajau, displaced children, and decommissioned combatants.
Improved access to birth documentation enabled these populations to access essential social services, strengthening their resilience and integration within their communities while fostering better ties with local governments. (EDT/MLE/PIA Region 9-Zamboanga City/with reports from SAC BIO BARMM)
