FILE PHOTO (Medel V. Hernani/davaotoday.com)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The city government will be extending its annual Christmas activities to three more indigenous peoples (IP) villages in the city this year.
Maria Luisa Bermudo, head of the City Social Services and Development Office said the additional areas for this year’s Pasko Fiesta are Upper Mapula in Paquibato district, Tambobong in Calinan and Salaysay in Marilog district.
She said the office has decided to reach out to more Lumad communities by adding more areas to make it accessible for the Lumad. Bermudo said previously, Lumads from other villages had to travel to other barangay to avail the services offered by the city government during the Pasko Fiesta.
“This is to accommodate those on far -flung areas. Because for others it is far for them to go to a shelter area or place because it could take them hours or almost one day of walk,” Bermudo said in an interview on Thursday, November 9.
The said places are in addition to last year’s list of IP villages namely Colosas, Paňalum, Malabog proper- in Paquibato district, and Marilog proper, Salumay, Upper Kibalang, Suawan- in Marilog district.
This year’s Pakso Fiesta in the said IP areas will be on December 7 to December 20, Bermudo said.
“This is in consultation also with the tribal leaders, deputy mayors and barangay captains who will be hosting the events,” she added.
In 2016, different activities were conducted including tribal games, beauty fair, and magic show. Several services were also offered such as medical health service and a mass wedding called Kasalan ng Bayan. (davaotoday.com)
