The Community and Family Services International (CFSI), in partnership with the European Union (EU), through the Sama Bajau Capacity Strengthening Project (SBCSP) conducted a conference with concerned local government unit, national government agencies, and other stakeholders, on 13 August 2019 at the Cordoba Hall, Palacio del Sur, Zamboanga City. The conference aimed to discuss the plight of Sama Bajaus in the Philippines, particularly in Zamboanga City.
The conference, composing of three sessions, served as an avenue for stakeholders to discuss challenges and good practices relating to education, civil registration and social services for Sama Bajau communities.
School Principal of Zamboanga City Central School Special Education (SpEd) Center Dr. Edsel Francisco, Zamboanga City Civil Registrar Atty. Alexander Eric Elias, and Department of Social Welfare and Development – Region IX Focal Person Hja. Balma Sali were present as key speakers in the conference.
Dr. Francisco noted on the challenges faced by Sama Bajau children and the initiatives being taken to strengthen their access to education. On civil registration, Atty. Elias presented the process of birth registration and how the conditions of the Sama Bajaus bar them securing birth documents. Meanwhile, the Comprehensive Programme for Sama Bajaus, a national program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development, was the topic for Hja. Balma Sali. The program aims to ensure the protection of Sama Bajaus all around the country along with their access to their rights as citizens and contribute to the overall well-being of Sama Bajaus through the provision of services that is culturally sensitive.
The City Mayor of Zamboanga, Hon. Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar affirmed her commitment to protect the rights of the Sama Bajaus and to work hand in hand with other agencies to improve their population’s quality of life.
To mark their affirmation, participants, including Mayor Climaco-Salazar joined in signing the Pledge of Commitment and Support to Sama Bajaus.
To learn more about the SBCSP, click here to view the Project Briefer.
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