The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday reached out to children with disabilities (CWDs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Northern Mindanao to provide them with the agency’s new programs.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian visited Pangantucan town in Bukidnon Thursday to meet with the Indigenous Community Craft-Making Farmers Association (ICCMFA), then joined CWDs in Camiguin for the distribution of the Comprehensive Assessment, Rehabilitation and Empowerment Caravan (CAREvan).

In Camiguin’s CAREvan, 100 children with developmental delays and neurodevelopmental conditions across the province received free multidisciplinary developmental assessments and individualized treatment plans.

“It is the government’s priority to serve the CWDs. Even if they are in far-flung areas, DSWD will always reach out to them,” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian also checked the province’s implementers and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program to solicit feedback for improvement.

Meanwhile, DSWD provided an additional PHP300,000 to ICCMFA, assuring the agency’s commitment to providing continuous technical guidance and capability building to ensure the long-term sustainability of their livelihood.

The initial grant was provided through the DSWD’s PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNan in coordination with the local government unit.

Joel Rey Labid, chairperson of Barangay Adtuyon in the municipality of Pangantucan, said 15 IP organizations are relying on government support through DSWD in his jurisdiction.

He said that since 2018, these organizations have received livelihood assistance with the help of DSWD. (PNA)