In its ongoing effort to enhance the quality of life of the Filipino people, the DILG IV-A, in partnership with National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and Municipality of Tanay, Rizal spearheaded the soft launching of the ‘𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐠 𝐬𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐛𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭’ in Brgy. Laiban, Tanay, Rizal on July 16, 2024

Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, Atty. Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos, Jr., graced the activity and conveyed his support, highlighting the steadfast commitment of the Department in fostering sustainable development in Indigenous People (IP) communities. Secretary Abalos also led the signing of Manifesto of Support to the program along with other key officials including DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Felicito A. Valcomina, DILG Assistant Secretary for Community Participation Elizabeth N. Lopez De Leon, NCIP IV-A Regional Director Carlos P. Buasen Jr., Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Jennifer Pia T. Sibug-las, Mayor Rafael Tanjuatco, Vice Mayor Rex Manuel Tanjuatco, and Barangay Laiban Indigenous People Mandatory Representative Alicia Teves.

The event also featured a Serbisyo Caravan which provided services such as medical check-ups, Philippine Statistics Authority registration, seedlings distribution, and IP merchandise promotion.

The ‘Hapag sa Katutubo Project’ serves as a significant milestone of the government’s efforts to ensure the progress of Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) throughout the country.