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.
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.
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.
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)
