PATA, Sulu – In a significant move to support marginalized communities, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) distributed rice subsidies to 37 Badjao families in the municipality of Pata under the Layag Badjao Program on November 28, 2024.
Each family received six sacks of rice, sufficient for their six-month allocation, as part of the government’s effort to address food security and improve the living conditions of the Badjao people.
Prior to the distribution, MSSD social workers conducted thorough case management to ensure the eligibility of beneficiaries and the accuracy of their records. This step highlights the ministry’s commitment to transparency and targeted assistance.
Muammar Lakibul, RSW, the Municipal Social Welfare Officer, emphasized the importance of the initiative in enhancing the lives of the Badjao community. “The MSSD acknowledges the vital presence and widespread distribution of Badjao communities in our region. Supporting their upliftment and ensuring their overall well-being remains a core part of our mandate,” Lakibul said.
The rice subsidy is a component of the Layag Badjao Program, a holistic approach designed to uplift Badjao families. Beyond food aid, the program provides livelihood assistance, education, health and nutrition services, and resettlement opportunities, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development for the community.
This initiative reflects the government’s dedication to addressing the needs of Indigenous Peoples, fostering equity, and promoting social inclusion. The MSSD continues to work towards creating opportunities for marginalized communities in Sulu and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).