Zamboanga City — Mayor John Dalipe extended his gratitude to the French non-government organization ASMAE Philippines for its role in implementing the Promotion of Child Rights of Internally Displaced Ethnic Group of Sama Bajau (PEACE) project. This four-year initiative is dedicated to advancing the rights of Sama Bajau children, ensuring their development and protection in collaboration with the Zamboanga Basilan Integrated Development Alliance, Inc. (ZABIDA).
The ASMAE delegation paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Dalipe on Tuesday afternoon, January 21, to present the key findings of their observational research. The study shed light on the socio-cultural, economic, and political realities faced by the Sama Bajau communities residing in Barangays Kasanyangan and Arena Blanco. These insights were initially shared during a soft launch event at Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
Expressing his support for the PEACE project, Mayor Dalipe emphasized the importance of initiatives aimed at uplifting the rights and welfare of indigenous communities in the city. “This endeavor is a significant step toward fostering inclusivity and equity for the Sama Bajau children,” the mayor stated, underscoring his hope for more collaborative projects in the future.
The PEACE project is further reinforced by the Protection of Children in Great Poverty in Southeast Asia (PEGASE) project. This complementary initiative is co-implemented with Katilingban sa Kalambuan, Inc. (KKI), focusing on addressing extreme poverty among vulnerable children in the region.
ASMAE, a French international solidarity NGO, specializes in aiding children in vulnerable situations across eight countries. Their commitment to promoting survival, development, and protection aligns with the city’s goal to support marginalized communities.
The city government’s partnership with organizations like ASMAE and ZABIDA highlights Zamboanga’s dedication to creating an inclusive environment where indigenous groups, particularly Sama Bajau children, can thrive and achieve their potential.