TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur — The local government units of Tagbina and Hinatuan, both in Surigao del Sur, recently secured P8.4 million in funding for the KALAHI-CIDSS PAMANA Indigenous Peoples Community-Driven Development Cycle 3 sub-project.
This initiative marked another milestone in the government’s commitment to empowering Indigenous Peoples communities through sustainable and participatory development.
A municipal orientation and consultation was held at the Indigenous Peoples Cultural Center Function Hall in Poblacion, Tagbina, that brought together Indigenous Peoples leaders, local officials and representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and discussed the progress and future direction of the program.
Building on previous achievements, the Cycle 1 sub-project led to the establishment of the first-ever Indigenous Peoples Cultural Center in the Philippines, funded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Meanwhile, Cycle 2 facilitated the construction of a Tribal Hall in Barangay Maglatab, Tagbina town, further strengthening cultural preservation and community engagement.
According to Tagbina local government unit Special Program Division Chief Glen Lazaro, the latest funding allocation for Cycle 3 underscored the significance of participatory governance, sustainable development and active community involvement in decision-making processes.
“This project is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our local leaders and the Indigenous Peoples community in pursuing inclusive growth. Through collaboration, we ensure that the voices of Indigenous Peoples are heard and that their aspirations for progress are realized,” Lazaro emphasized.
The Cycle 3 sub-projects are yet to be determined and implemented across six identified Indigenous Peoples barangays in Tagbina and one barangay in Hinatuan town, ensuring that development efforts are tailored to the specific needs of these communities.
The municipality of Tagbina continues to spearhead initiatives that uplift Indigenous Peoples, ensuring that their cultural heritage is preserved and their needs are prioritized in development planning.
With this substantial funding, the local government units of Tagbina and Hinatuan reaffirmed their commitment to fostering an empowered, resilient and self-sustaining Indigenous community. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
