IN AN effort to improve the lives of an Indigenous Peoples (IP) group, the local social welfare agency has successfully refurbished their community footbridge in Sitio Alaska, Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD 7) formally handed over the revitalized footbridge to the Sama-Bajau community last September 5, 2023.
Fourteen partner-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) worked together to complete the renovation of the footbridge.
Under the Enhanced Support Services Intervention (ESSI) of the 4Ps, which lasted for 11 working days, workers who participated in the rehabilitation got financial assistance through the cash-for-work program.
Despite the challenges and vulnerabilities that IPs, homeless families, and other vulnerable groups among the 4Ps partner-beneficiaries experience, the 4Ps' ESSI plays a critical role in improving self-sufficiency among them.
The renovated footbridge now boasts a striking color scheme of white, red, blue, and yellow and serves as a vital walkway, ensuring the convenience and safety of the residents of the IP community.
Sunny Daomani, the tribal chieftain, uttered these words in relief: "We no longer have to worry about walking on this bridge, especially for our children, as it has been repaired through everyone's cooperation."
DSWD 7 Director Shalaine Marie Lucero, who officiated the ceremonial handover of the improved footbridge, bared the importance of helping the marginalized sector.
"The cooperation of all people shows your commitment to resolving the community's problem, which was an unsafe and unreliable footbridge. Kudos to everyone for your bayanihan (spirit of communal unity) and hard work. I hope that you will maintain the bridge for the safety of community residents, including your families, who use the footbridge," she said.
Lucero praised the neighborhood's cooperation and persistent efforts in resolving the problem of the once dangerous and unreliable footbridge, highlighting the importance of its continuous maintenance for the safety of the residents.
The government agency also told SunStar Cebu that a promising lineup of ESSI projects is set for rollout in the region in the upcoming year.
These projects include building a tribal hall in Sierra Bullones town, Bohol; providing capital assistance for rice retailing and store management in Pilar town, Bohol; growing organic vegetables in Duero town, Bohol; providing capital assistance for cattle and swine fattening in Bais City, Negros Oriental; and creating a materials recovery facility in Asturias town, northwest Cebu.
The 4Ps, a key government initiative to fight poverty, is still committed to helping qualifying low-income households with their health, nutrition, and education needs.
Beneficiaries continue to move toward better and sustained well-being because of the program's comprehensive approach, which includes psychosocial and educational components offered through Family Development Sessions.
The program was established in 2019 under Republic Act 11310, also known as the 4Ps Act, and is carried out by DSWD.(KJF, TPT)