The Higaonon tribe in Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur is the recipient of a PHP3 million tribal center from the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Caraga Region (DSWD-13).

In a statement Thursday, DSWD-13 said the construction of the facility was made possible through the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services Payapa at Masaganang Pamayaan Indigenous People (IP) Community-Driven Development Program.

The program is a community-driven approach aimed to help empower communities in development processes, resources, and decision-making.

On Wednesday, DSWD-13 representatives led by Assistant Regional Director for Operations Jean Paul Parajes, handed over the completed project to the leaders of the Higaonon tribe in Barangay Bunaquit of the town.

“The government, through the DSWD, has fulfilled the dream of the Higaonon tribe of having a multi-function tribal center,” the DSWD-13 said, adding that the multipurpose could be used for customary gatherings and meetings.

Meanwhile, Tribal leader Amid Agsunodan expressed appreciation to the government as he accepted the project on behalf of the 395 Higaonon families in the village.

“This tribal center will represent our identity as a tribe where we can gather as a community during important occasions,” he said. (PNA)