In an effort to strengthen its programs for vulnerable communities, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently convened an inter-agency consultation with Task Force Sama Bajau and other partner-stakeholders. This meeting focused on the ongoing implementation of the Comprehensive Program for Street Children, Street Families, and Indigenous Peoples, especially Sama Bajaus (COMPRE), a flagship initiative aimed at improving the welfare of these marginalized groups.
The COMPRE program is an integrated approach designed to address the needs of street children, families, and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) who live on or are at risk of being on the streets. The program seeks to reduce vulnerabilities by providing immediate assistance and engaging beneficiaries in activities that promote safety, culture, and development. The initiative also works to create productive and secure environments for these communities, supporting them in building more stable lives.
To date, DSWD-9 has exceeded its annual goals, achieving 124% of its target, reaching 62 Sama Bajau families and serving 118 children (representing 38% of child-specific goals). This accomplishment demonstrates the DSWD’s ongoing commitment to inclusive and culturally sensitive service delivery.
The meeting saw the participation of various key stakeholders, including tribal leaders, Sama Bajau coordinators, and Indigenous Peoples’ Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs). Representatives from the Zamboanga City local government attended, with officials from the City Civil Registrar’s Office, City Health Office, Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources, City Social Welfare and Development Office, and the Office of the City Agriculture contributing insights on how local resources could support the program’s goals. Additional support came from national government agencies, including the Department of Health, Department of Education, Department of Labor and Employment, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), as well as DSWD’s own BangUN program team.
Undersecretary for Innovations, Usec. Edu Punay, and DSWD-9 Regional Director Riduan Hadjimuddin led the meeting, facilitating discussions on how various social interventions could enhance support for Sama Bajaus, street children, and street families. The partner-stakeholders presented services and interventions aimed at ensuring that street families and children are not only safe but also engaged in programs that promote growth and self-sufficiency.
This meeting highlights the government’s dedication to addressing social vulnerabilities through coordinated efforts with both local and national agencies. By aligning resources and expertise, the DSWD and its partners aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve, empowering them to build safer and more stable futures.
