November 28, 2025
SHARE THIS STORY
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday led the distribution of livelihood assistance and delivery of government services to indigenous peoples (IPs) during the “Handog ng Pangulo: Tulong at Serbisyo Para sa Indigenous People Communities” program held in Barangay Sinunuc, Zamboanga City.
The President personally met with around 500 members of the Sama Bajau IP community, underscoring the administration’s commitment to improving their quality of life and preventing them from becoming street dwellers.
“Nandito lang naman po ako ang sadya ko rito para tingnan na maayos ang pagbigay ng tulong sa ‘yung ating tinatawag na mga unang Pilipino, ang ating IP community mga Sama Badjau,” President Marcos said in his remarks.
The President said the program is part of the administration’s goal to bring government services closer to the people, especially vulnerable and remote communities.
“Nandito kami dahil kung minsan ang gobyerno ay naghihintay lang na kayo ang lumapit, hindi naman namin naseserbisan kayong lahat. Hindi namin kayo natutulungan lahat. Kaya ang ginawa namin, kami na lang ang pupunta, ang gobyerno ang pupunta sa inyo,” President Marcos said.
The President encouraged the IP communities not to hesitate to seek help and ask questions from government agencies present during the event.
President Marcos then vowed to continue delivering essential aid and programs that will strengthen the well-being and future of IPs.
“Lagi kong sinasabi kasi maraming nagte-thank you. Huwag na kayong mag-thank you. Ito ‘yung trabaho namin. Ito lang talaga ang dapat namin ginagawa at sige lang hindi namin ito ititigil. Hangga’t may buhay itatrabaho namin ito,” the President said.
President Marcos thanked the local government units for their strong support, saying that working closely with the national government has enabled the efficient implementation of government programs.
As part of the program, a caravan of government services was organized at the Sinunuc Covered Court to provide holistic support to the Sama Bajau community. This included food assistance, livelihood support, and access to a wide range of government programs to address both the immediate and long-term needs of IP families.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided PhP10,000 each to 500 IP families through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. In addition, 71 families received grocery packs worth PhP3,000 under the Walang Gutom Program; 500 families received family food packs; and 100 beneficiaries were granted PhP15,000 each under the Sustainable Livelihood Program.
Various government agencies also extended essential services. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources assisted with boat registration and distributed informational materials, while the Office of the City Civil Registry provided free verification and certified copies of civil registry records.
The Department of Trade and Industry conducted program orientations and offered free business name registration; the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples issued Certificates of Confirmation and provided consultations on IP concerns; and the Department of Agrarian Reform distributed informational materials.
The Department of Health provided services and aid, including medical consultations, hygiene and oral care kits, jerrycans, nutrition counseling, family planning services, and health tests.
The Philippine Statistics Authority facilitated national ID registration and updates and retrieval of transaction numbers during registration, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offered skills enhancement and free grooming services.
The Department of Labor and Employment provided livelihood assistance and registration for the National Skills Registry Program, while PhilHealth assisted with membership registration and the Yakap Program.
Prior to the caravan, President Marcos witnessed the turnover of 10 fishing boats, complete with accessories, to members of the Maasin Fisherfolk Association at the Sinunuc shoreline.
The initiatives in Zamboanga are part of the administration’s broader effort to ensure that no community is left behind in the country’s development.
Also present during the event were DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Zamboanga City 1st District Representative Katrina Reiko Chua-Tai, and Zamboanga Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso. | PND