Reaching out with Care during COVID: Response initiatives for the Sama-Bajau
Even in this time of quarantine, physical distance must not be a deterrent to going the distance in reaching out to those in the peripheries.
Response efforts have been initiated by Cartwheel together with its partners since March 2020 to help Sama-Bajau families gain access to essential needs even as their areas have been on lockdown.
On March 19, 2020, through the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of San Dionisio, Parañaque City, Cartwheel and its partners distributed much needed food packs to the Sama-Bajau community residing in said barangay. This began as a call to action by the Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region (DSWD NCR). The effort was to complement the BLGU’s initiatives as well.
The quick action of Brgy. Kgwd. Marie Angelie ‘Majel’ Co and the rest of Brgy. San Dionisio’s Health Workers also made this endeavor possible.
Distribution of food packs in coordination with the BLGU of San Dionisio, Parañaque City (March 19, 2020)
On April 7, 2020, the 2nd wave of distribution of food and hygiene packs to Sama-Bajau families in San Dionisio, Parañaque City was completed, through the generosity of development partner, Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation. This is part of Cartwheel’s complementation initiatives with the DSWD NCR, the City Government of Parañaque, and the BLGU of San Dionisio.
Provision of cash assistance in Brgy. Kasanyangan, Zamboanga City (April 2, 2020)
In the same week, emergency cash assistance was facilitated for 58 Sama-Bajau families residing in Kasanyangan, Zamboanga City, through the generosity of the youth group, Lacuna. The relief efforts were made possible through close coordination with the Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s Center for Community Extension Services (ADZU CCES)—Cartwheel’s long-time partner in delivering culturally-relevant education to the same community.
Staff members of ADZU-CCES prepare the Restarter Care packages for distribution
From June 22-July 31, 2020 a COVID-19 Response Project initiated by Cartwheel through its partnership with Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation, and in coordination with the ADZU CCES and the BLGU of Kasanyangan, yet again reached out to Sama-Bajau children and their families residing in Vale Vista, Barangay Kasanyangan, Zamboanga City.
The project aimed to help sustain access to essential services that would ensure the safety and well-being of the Sama-Bajau. Restarter Care packages were provided and reusable face masks were produced for a total of 427 individuals. Forty-five families received food packs, hygiene kits, and vitamins, as part of the Restarter Care packages distributed on July 22, 2020.
Members of one Sama-Bajau family try on the face masks given
The same Sama-Bajau community members received three pieces each of reusable face masks sewn from malong—indigenous fabric with colorful patterns that are traditionally worn by the Sama-Bajau people. A total of 1,281 reusable face masks were distributed between July to August 2020.
One Sama-Bajau mother shows the goods she received for her family (September 18, 2020)
On September 18, 2020, there was yet another round of distribution of essential goods for the families of the Sama-Bajau young learners enrolled in the Education and Child Development (ECD) Program in the present school year.
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Cartwheel extends its sincerest thanks to its generous partners who have constantly chosen to go the distance, to ensure that indigenous communities do not fall through the cracks of our society in these unprecedented times. AHIKA MAGSUKOL (Thank you very much)!