Some 500 members of the Sama-Badjao community in Zamboanga City received cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday, Nov. 28.
DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo led the distribution of P10,000 in cash to each Badjao family from the DSWD Assistance in Crisis Situation (ACS) fund.
In his message, Tulfo underscored the need to uplift the lives of the Badjao community by providing them with livelihood opportunities.
The assistance was provided in an effort to solve the mendicancy problem involving some members of the indigenous tribe and enable them to start a small business using the payout.
Tulfo said that he requested Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe to look for a place for a wet market for Badjaos to sell their goods.
The DSWD Secretary also led a program on birth registration for the indigenous group to allow them to take advantage of government programs.
The program was held in conjunction with the Zamboanga City Office of the Civil Registrar.