A member of indigenous peoples caroling among motorist along the Davao highway.-Newsline Photo
DAVAO CITY —To prevent Indigenous Peoples (IPs) from becoming victims of road accidents and abuse, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), in collaboration with the Davao City Police Office and the Women and Children Protection Desk, conducted surveillance and rescue operations targeting IPs who come from outside Davao City and beg for money during the Christmas season.
Last week, the CSWDO, together with the Women and Children Protection Desk, rescued 51 individuals, 43 of whom were from Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Most of them were sent back to their hometowns after the operation.
Gilda Silvaña, Acting Officer-In-Charge of the CSWDO, emphasized the city’s concern for the welfare of IPs, especially during the holiday season. She noted that many IPs visiting the city face risks such as abuse, trafficking, or accidents.
“We care about their welfare. Rain or shine, some of them bring their children, and some even get sick. Unfortunately, we do not have a holding area for them because our budget is primarily intended for the residents of Davao City,” Silvaña explained.
She added that this concern prompted the local government to make services more accessible to IPs during the Christmas season. Based on interviews, many IPs visit Davao City during this period to solicit donations.
“The biggest reason they come here is because there is a lot of money in Davao. According to them, they can even purchase motorcycles when they return home because Dabawenyos are generous in giving money,” she said.
Silvaña also noted that the rescued IPs were returned to their hometowns through coordination between the Davao City government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the IPs’ respective Local Government Units (LGUs).
“There are LGUs from Kapalong and Bukidnon that have taken the initiative to retrieve their IPs in coordination with Davao City,” she added.
The CSWDO has committed to continuing these joint operations to ensure the safety and welfare of IPs visiting the city.
