ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) — The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) has reached the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) through its Barangay Forum in Barangay Pandan, Santa Fe, Romblon, September 5.
The forum, specifically for the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community, focused its discussion on some pressing local issues in the barangay. It was also an avenue for the residents to know the various government programs and services available to them.
Led by PIA Romblon, the participants include the local officials, representatives from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Santa Fe Municipal Police Station, media practitioners, and residents. The discussions covered key topics such as peace and order, and the introduction of new technologies beneficial to the IP community.
The forum provided an opportunity for the IP residents to express their concerns directly to government representatives, enhancing communication between the national government and marginalized groups.
In his message, Barangay Captain Joey Rufon thanked the PIA and the Presidential Communications Office for visiting their community, noting that such a forum had been conducted in the area for the first time.
“It is a good opportunity as the national government is ready to listen to the needs of our citizens,” said Rufon.
According to Tribal Chieftain Alfe Lorenzo, more than 200 households, representing almost 70 pertcent of Barangay Pandan, belong to the ATI tribe. Most of these residents work as farmers and fishermen.
Some pressing concerns highlighted were the lack of a functional irrigation system for their farms, a sustainable water supply system, outdated fish cages in their fisheries, and weak cellphone and internet signals, particularly affecting the local school.
During the forum, Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Romblon Science Research Specialist Mae Angelica Famini responded to the concerns of the community members.
Famini encouraged the tribe’s leaders to submit project proposals to various national government agencies, including the DOST, to help address these challenges. (PJF/PIA MIMAROPA-Romblon)
