“Ma-challenge ‘mi, kay mabag-o man ‘mi…” says Camila Albani, 35, a Badjao indigenous person, mother of five-year-old kid and an active Parent Leader of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Panrtawid Pamilya) of Brgy. Dulho, Bato, Leyte.

Camila describes the Pantawid Pamilya as a challenging program to work with. This, she uttered, during her short talk in the closing program of the Focused Group Discussion (FGD) for Indigenous People (IP) Tribal Leader and Beneficiaries conducted last October 14, 2011 at the Municipal Hall of Bato, Leyte.

The Focal Person for IP and Gender and Development, Briann Fred Lipardo together with the Provincial Link Paula Unay and Social Welfare Officers II (SWO IIs) facilitated the activity. The Badjaos were divided into four groups to be able to facilitate their queries effectively and efficiently.

The participants were provided with meals and snacks during the whole day forum, which for them was an unusual yet heartening way of recognizing them that they are part of the community. According to Unay, the Badjaos really want to change the negative perception on them especially of being lazy. That is why they see Pantawid Pamilya as a challenge. If not for the conditional cash grant, they would not even experience to eat at least three times a day.

Pantawid Pamilya Deputy Program Manager, Virginia Idano, graced the occasion and sincerely listened to the Badjaos call for support and assistance along with the implementation of the program. The beneficiaries are willing to accept and embrace change and be part of the society. They jokingly tell the facilitators that if only they could change their tribe’s name to “Goodjao” instead of “Badjao” just to show everyone that they are not bad afterall- they would do so. Thru Pantawid Pamilya, they came to know that their kids needed their protection as parents; and that thru health and education, their children will have brighter future.