The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) recently held a barangay forum in Barangay Pandan, Santa Fe, Romblon, specifically for the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community, to discuss pressing local issues and raise awareness about government programs and services available to them.
Participants included PIA Romblon, local officials, representatives from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Santa Fe Municipal Police Station, media members, and residents. The discussions covered key topics such as peace and order and the introduction of new technologies beneficial to the IP community.
The forum provided an opportunity for the IP residents to express their concerns directly to government representatives, enhancing communication between the national government and marginalized groups.
In his opening remarks, Barangay Captain Joey Rufon thanked the PIA and the Presidential Communications Office for visiting their community, noting that it was the first time such a forum had been conducted in the area.
“It is a good opportunity as the national government is ready to listen to the needs of our citizens,” said Rufon.
According to Tribal Chieftain Alfe Lorenzo, more than 200 households, representing almost 70% of Barangay Pandan, belong to the ATI tribe. Most of these residents work as farmers and fishermen.
Some pressing concerns include the lack of a functional irrigation system for their farms, a sustainable water supply system, outdated fish cages in their fisheries, and weak cellphone and internet signals, particularly affecting the local school.
During the forum, DOST Romblon Science Research Specialist Mae Angelica Famini responded to the concerns of the community members. She encouraged the tribe's leaders to submit project proposals to various national government agencies, including the DOST, to help address these challenges.
