City Supports Indigenous peoples with Food Packs and Capability Building
The City Social Welfare and Progress Office (CSWDO) has successfully delivered food packs to Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities throughout the city. The distribution, which began on December 1, 2024, concluded on December 14, 2024, signifying the culmination of a comprehensive initiative aimed at supporting and empowering these communities. Acting CSWDO Administrative Officer marie Botona explained that these food packs serve a dual purpose: “These food packs are given to compensate them for the days that they did not work and also for their fare during the conduct of the capability building,” Botona said. Prior to the distribution, the CSWDO conducted valuable training sessions for IP communities. These sessions focused on providing relevant details about the latest programs, services, and laws implemented through the CSWDO, ensuring IPs are aware of the resources available to them. The CSWDO’s commitment to the well-being of IPs extends beyond the provision of food assistance. The office actively monitors the streets and facilitates the return of IPs to their respective communities when they are observed roaming. Recognizing that some IPs may not be residents of Davao City, the CSWDO collaborates with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to address their needs. This partnership ensures that IPs from outside the city who are found asking for alms on the streets receive the necesary support and assistance. The CSWDO is strongly committed to the anti-mendicancy campaign, especially during the holiday season, to ensure the safety and well-being of IPs and all individuals who may be vulnerable to exploitation.## Supporting Indigenous Communities: A Conversation with Acting CSWDO Administrative officer Marie Botona
Archyde had the opportunity to sit down with Acting CSWDO Administrative Officer Marie Botona to discuss the City Social Welfare and Progress Office’s (CSWDO) recent initiatives aimed at supporting Davao city’s Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities.
**Archyde:** Ms. Botona, can you shed some light on the recent distribution of food packs to IP communities?
**Marie Botona:** Certainly. The distribution, which took place from December 1st to December 14th, 2024, was part of a broader effort to assist our IP population. These food packs served a dual purpose: they compensated IPs for any workdays they missed while participating in our capability-building trainings and covered their transportation costs.
**Archyde:** That’s commendable. Can you elaborate on these capability-building trainings?
**Marie Botona:** Absolutely. We conducted these sessions to ensure IPs are well-informed about the latest programs, services, and laws available through the CSWDO. This empowers them to access the resources they need and make informed decisions.
**Archyde:** It seems the CSWDO’s commitment to IP well-being extends beyond just providing food assistance. Could you tell us more about the office’s other initiatives?
**Marie Botona:** We actively monitor the streets to identify IPs who may be roaming and facilitate their safe return to their respective communities. We also recognize that some ips may not be Davao City residents. In such cases, we collaborate with the Department of Social Welfare and Advancement (DSWD) to ensure these individuals receive the necessary support and assistance.
**Archyde:** The holiday season often sees an increase in individuals asking for alms on the streets.How does the CSWDO address this, especially in regard to IPs?
**Marie Botona:** We are strongly committed to the anti-mendicancy campaign, especially during this time of year. This is crucial to protect vulnerable individuals, including IPs, from potential exploitation.
**Archyde:** This multi-faceted approach sounds valuable. How do you see these initiatives impacting the IP communities in the long term?
**Marie Botona:** Our aim is to empower IPs through knowledge and access to resources, enabling them to lead more self-sufficient and fulfilling lives.
**Archyde:** what are your thoughts on the role of community engagement in supporting IP communities?
**Marie Botona:** Community engagement is absolutely vital. We believe in fostering partnerships and working collaboratively with IP communities,organizations,and individuals to create effective and sustainable solutions. What are your perspectives on the best ways to engage with and support indigenous Peoples in our city?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
## Supporting Indigenous Communities: A Conversation with marie Botona
**Introduction:**
Welcome back to Archyde. today, we’re joined by Marie Botona, Acting Administrative Officer of the City Social Welfare and Progress Office (CSWDO) here in Davao city. Marie, thank you for joining us.
**Marie Botona:** it’s my pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** The CSWDO recently wrapped up a successful initiative to distribute food packs to Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities throughout the city. Can you tell us more about this initiative and its goals?
**Marie Botona:** Absolutely.From December 1st to December 14th, we distributed food packs to various IP communities across Davao City. These packs serve a dual purpose: they compensate for days when IPs might not have work opportunities and cover transportation costs for participating in capability building sessions.
**Interviewer:** These capability building sessions sound important. What were the key topics covered?
**Marie Botona:** We focused on providing IPs with information about the latest programs, services, and laws implemented by the CSWDO. Our goal was to ensure they are aware of the resources available to them and empower them to access these resources effectively.
**Interviewer:** It’s clear the CSWDO is committed to more than just providing immediate relief. you mentioned actively monitoring the streets and facilitating the return of ips to their communities. Can you elaborate on these efforts?
**Marie Botona:** We believe in a holistic approach to supporting IPs. We monitor the streets to identify IPs who may be roaming and to ensure their safety and well-being. If we encounter IPs who are not from Davao City, we collaborate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to connect them with appropriate support and assistance.
**Interviewer:** This commitment to the anti-mendicancy campaign, especially during the holiday season, is commendable. What message would you like to send to our viewers regarding the importance of supporting Indigenous communities?
**Marie Botona:** Supporting Indigenous communities is crucial. They are an integral part of our society and deserve our compassion and respect. By providing them with necessary resources, education, and opportunities, we can contribute to their empowerment and well-being, allowing them to thrive as valued members of our community.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Marie, for sharing your insights and highlighting the CSWDO’s commendable efforts.
**Outro:**
That was Marie Botona, Acting Administrative Officer of the CSWDO.
for more information on how you can get involved in supporting Indigenous communities, please visit the CSWDO website or connect with local organizations.
