Davao — A group of 38 Ata Manobo tribespeople have successfully returned to their ancestral community in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, marking a successful intervention under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) flagship initiative, the Pag-abot Program. After temporarily staying in Davao City to seek livelihood opportunities or engage in street-level begging, the families were assisted by DSWD-Davao social workers who facilitated their safe transit home on July 7, 2026. This humanitarian effort is part of a broader, proactive strategy by the government to reach vulnerable families and provide them with the dignity of returning to their roots.
A New Chapter Through Proactive Intervention
The Pag-abot Program is designed to do more than just transport individuals; it aims to address the root causes of why indigenous families leave their ancestral domains to live on urban streets. Following their arrival in Talaingod, the local government unit (LGU) has committed to a comprehensive assessment to understand the challenges that initially pushed these families toward the city. This vital step allows the government to tailor specific interventions—ranging from local livelihood training to improved access to social services—ensuring that these families are empowered to stay in their communities rather than resorting to temporary and often precarious urban living. By focusing on sustainable reintegration, the DSWD is working to break the cycle of seasonal migration and street-level dependency.
Comprehensive Support for Vulnerable Families
The assistance provided by the DSWD is extensive, covering everything from emergency cash transfers for basic needs to the logistical costs of travel and the relocation of belongings. Under the Pag-abot framework, qualified beneficiaries may access significant livelihood grants of up to PHP 100,000, released in tranches, to help them establish stable sources of income back in their home provinces. This financial support is a critical component of the government's efforts to ensure that the return is not just a one-time relocation, but the beginning of a stable future. As of late 2025, the program had already assisted over 120 individuals, with a significant portion belonging to indigenous groups like the Ata and Badjao, demonstrating the department's dedicated focus on protecting the most marginalized sectors.
Strengthening the Ancestral Domain
This successful return coincides with broader national efforts, such as the Indigenous Women and Girls-Leadership and Empowerment in Ancestral Domains (I-LEAD) project, which seeks to empower indigenous governance and secure ancestral lands. By strengthening the capacity of communities in Talaingod to manage their own resources and development, the government is creating an environment where traditional lifestyles are not just protected, but can flourish. The collaboration between the DSWD and the Talaingod LGU serves as a model for "convergence," where national social programs and local government commitment work in tandem to protect indigenous heritage. As these 38 individuals resettle in their ancestral home, the goal remains clear: to ensure they have the tools, support, and community foundation to thrive in the environment that has sustained their culture for generations.
