ROXAS City – The Indigenous Peoples (IPs) from various geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) in Tapaz, Capiz were provided with new roads, town Mayor Roberto Palomar said.
“Out of the 22 upland barangays, there are only five remaining villages that have no road yet,” Palomar added, pledging the town will be working on it to provide roads to the residents.
During the National IP Day late last month, Palomar said most of the IPs in said municipality were living in the 22 upland barangays considered as GIDA.
He added Barangay Lahug, which is one of the hardest-to-reach upland villages in the municipality, has been provided with road, electricity and a day care center.
“Road is very important for the development of the IPs and their community,” he said, adding that Tapaz houses over 16,000 IPs – the biggest in the province.
Palomar said they gave an IP Mandatory Representation to their local council.
“What we are doing is the literal bringing of government closer to the people especially to the IPs as we are working to help and make them part in our governance towards development and progress,” he added.
He urged the various government agencies and other stakeholders to unite, cooperate and work together to end poverty and social injustice to the people.(With a report from PIA/PN)
