The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) visited the Badjao communities in Sitio Puntod Alaska and Sitio Nabba in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City on 8 December 2016 to bring food packs for the Badjao children as part of the agency’s Christmas outreach activities. The team was led by Undersecretary Ronald Flores, Chief of Staff Jeliza Farrah Dureza-Uy, and Director of Finance and Admin Services Atty. Yeshter Donn Baccay.
The OPAPP delegates also conducted initial assessment to determine development interventions that can be implemented through the Payapa at Masaganang Program (PAMANA). Chief of Staff Dureza-Uy said that possible interventions may include livelihood programs for Badjao women, additional kindergarten school, and sports facilities for the youth.
There are approximately 2,000 Badjaos in Barangay Mambaling, 90% of which are living below the poverty line.
- Undersecretary Ronald Flores (2nd from the left) and Chief of Staff Jeliza Farrah Dureza-Uy (3rd from the left) talk with the chieftain of Sitio Puntod Alaska to inquire on the conditions and needs of the people in the community.
- Undersecretary Ronald Flores (3rd from the left) and Chief of Staff Jeliza Farrah Dureza-Uy (1st from the left) talk with Mambaling barangay officials to gauge the conditions of Badjao in the resettlement community.
- Chief of Staff Jeliza Farrah Dureza-Uy addresses the Badjao folks and children in Sitio Nabba, Brgy. Mambaling, Cebu City.
- Young Badjao ladies showcase their native dance at the simple community gathering.
- OPAPP officials enjoying their visit in the Badjao community.