ANILAO, Iloilo — An Ati community in this town is being equipped to better assert residents’ rights and protect their families as government agencies bring Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) rights, child protection, gender equality and basic health education directly to one of Iloilo’s vulnerable communities.
Twenty-four Ati residents of Bal-agon Sitio Gines in Barangay Badiang underwent a comprehensive re-orientation during an Aug. 14 community visit of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in partnership with the Anilao municipal government.
The intervention went beyond informing residents about government programs, focusing on helping them understand the rights and legal protections they can invoke as Indigenous Peoples and as parents responsible for protecting their children.
DSWD Region 6’s team was led by 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) Regional Indigenous Peoples focal person Maylyn Devera, working with the Iloilo-Guimaras Provincial Operations Office represented by Social Welfare Officer III Dana Marie Dolino and Anilao Municipal Links.
Devera emphasized the importance of Ati residents understanding their rights and privileges as IPs as well as the government assistance available to help them pursue their needs and aspirations.
Jeanen Segunla, Regional Enhanced Support Services Intervention focal, discussed the 10 Rights of a Child, emphasizing the responsibility to safeguard children’s protection and welfare.
Gender and Development focal person Katrina Fernandez tackled gender fairness and equality, particularly their application within households.
The discussion sought to challenge existing norms and encourage relationships founded on equality, respect and understanding.
The community intervention also translated into concrete assistance after Anilao Municipal Sanitary Inspector Ma. Luisa Buyco of the Rural Health Unit discussed basic hygiene, disease prevention and dengue awareness.
Buyco committed to provide 14 toilet bowls to households without adequate sanitation facilities, addressing a basic public health need in the Ati community.
Ati Chieftain Ricardio Buaya welcomed the government intervention and said residents intended to put their new knowledge into practice.
“We appreciate your visit and the knowledge shared today. We will strive to apply what we have learned in our daily lives,” Buaya said in Hiligaynon.
For 4Ps Parent Leader Angeline Ansino, the activity provided something particularly valuable — a better understanding of the rights and laws protecting her community.
“As an IP grantee and Parent Leader, I have gained a deeper understanding of our rights as Ati people and the laws that support us. Thank you for this opportunity, as it brings me one step closer to realizing my dreams alongside my community,” she said.
Barangay officials led by Punong Barangay Cristine Batillo supported the activity by providing the venue and snacks for participants.
The initiative seeks to strengthen the Ati community’s ability not only to access government assistance but also to advocate for its rights, protect its children and improve living conditions through knowledge and community participation./PN