Deep in the heart of Bukidnon, where thick forests and treacherous trails dominate the landscape, a dedicated team of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) workers embarked on a mission to bring essential services to the Talaandig Tribe in Sitio Balaudo, Barangay St. Peter, Malaybalay City.

Their journey was anything but easy. An 18-kilometer trek through muddy, steep roads, made even more hazardous by rain, tested their endurance and determination recently.

To navigate the rugged terrain, the team rode a skylab, a specially modified motorcycle with an extended platform and six-shock suspension capable of carrying up to eight passengers.

Setting out from Barangay St. Peter, some 34.1 kilometers from the Malaybalay City proper, the team braved the Pantaron Range, which separates Bukidnon from Agusan del Sur. They departed at 5:00 a.m. and arrived at Sitio Balaudo around noon, exhausted but unwavering in their commitment to serve.

Bringing DSWD services closer to the community

The team, comprising a Social Welfare Officer III, social workers from the City Action Team (CAT) of Malaybalay City, and 4Ps system focal persons from the Provincial Operations Office (POO) of Bukidnon, carried out essential social welfare programs upon arrival.

Their tasks included administering social welfare and development indicators (SWDI) to 4Ps households, counseling families whose children were not attending school, and conducting an inventory of those who had yet to register with the Philippine National Identification System.

Balaudo is home to 62 Talaandig Tribe families, 28 of whom are active 4Ps beneficiaries.

Also, the team organized a feeding session, cooking and serving meals to the children of the community, bringing warmth and nourishment to the remote village.

“It’s truly a blessing to have safely reached Sitio Balaudo, a challenging trek through thick forests,” said Josie Abanil, Social Welfare Officer III of POO Bukidnon.

Abanil praised the CAT Malaybalay for their initiative, dedication, and resilience in reaching the most underserved communities.

Providing essential supplies: Rice and Salt

For the Talaandig Tribe, daily sustenance often relies on sweet potatoes and taro, as rice is a luxury only available during harvest season in August.

Understanding this, the 4Ps team worked tirelessly to secure 300 kilos of rice from generous donors. Upon receiving the rice, the community expressed their gratitude, sharing that they would use it as an alternative snack.

Another vital provision was a sack of rock salt, an ingredient the tribe typically sources from San Luis town in Agusan del Sur or the Barangay St. Peter proper, both requiring long and exhausting treks.

With this donation, the team helped alleviate one of the community’s everyday struggles.

Expanding efforts to reach more isolated communities

Inspired by the success of this mission, the CAT Malaybalay and the POO of Bukidnon are now planning further outreach efforts to bring essential government services to more isolated and disadvantaged areas.

According to Abanil, plans are being finalized to extend their reach and continue assisting communities that face geographic and economic hardships.

Convergence efforts

The journey was made safer and more efficient through the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders.

The Philippine Army troopers played a critical role in securing both the 4Ps team and the tribal community during the activity.

A detachment along the route ensured their safety by conducting headcounts and securing the area days before the outreach program.

Additionally, the five volunteer teachers of Balaudo Elementary School, an annex of St. Peter Elementary School, provided the venue for the activity.

Employed by the local government of Malaybalay City, these teachers facilitated communication between the team and the community, ensuring a smooth and organized visit.

Despite the long hours, unpredictable weather, and exhausting journey, the 4Ps workers remain steadfast in their mission to serve those in need.

As they departed the community late at night, braving the rain once again, they carried with them not just the fulfillment of their work but also the gratitude of the people they served.

Their journey is a testament to the unwavering commitment of social workers who go above and beyond, ensuring that no community—no matter how far—is left behind.

Northern Mindanao has 49,118 indigenous households benefiting from 4Ps, with Bukidnon province having the most at 29,991 families.