A TOTAL of 1,485 Indigenous Peoples (IPs) from Barangay Camantangan, New Sibolan, and New Dalaguete, all in Montevista, have benefitted various social services on June 20, 2023 during the conduct of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) community outreach program.
BJMP District Jail Warden Jul Akbar L Jamiri said the program is part of their annual celebration of community relations service month, which focuses on bringing government services closer to the people, especially those residing in vulnerable areas in the province.
He also expressed gratitude to the concerted efforts of the partner national government agencies, provincial and local government units, and private sectors for extending their profound support throughout the program.
Among the services offered are the following: feeding program, school bags and slippers for students, free civil registration of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), medical check-ups, legal consultation and document drafting, operation tuli, hair cutting, distribution of seedlings, animal healthcare, one-day free skills training of Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (Tesda), and others.
In response, Municipal Tribal Chieftain, Maniguon Herminio T. Opao said, “Kini nga kalihokan usa ka pinasahi nga ang BJMP dili lang ahensya para sa mga ginatawag nga PDL [persons deprived of liberty] apan naa sad diay silay programa nga makadasig sa katawhang tribo ug sa tanang lumulupyo sa benepisyaryong barangay.”
Opao added that the whole IP community is full of heart for reaching out and pouring the much-needed services, informing the public about the bureau’s program, and playing as an agent of change in society.
This year’s 12th CRS bags the theme: “Matatag na Ugnayan ng Pamayanan at Piitan, Daan tungo sa Ligtas at Maunlad na Bayan”.
The activity was attended by Davao de Oro Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga represented by Fr. Nick Consencino, Mayor Cyrex L. Basalo, Atty. Nicole Batingana of National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Davao Region (NCIP-Davao), Montevista District Jail Personnel, 25th Infantry “FIREBALL” Battalion, Philippine National Police, and Barangay Officials. (PIA Davao)