By Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol, Jr.

One of the participants underwent in HIV testing during Women’s Health and Basic Family Planning Seminar.  

The Indigenous Peoples experience various societal issues, such as destitution, discrimination, illiteracy, and exploitation among others, especially in women. Majority has no access to various economic opportunities; their meager income cannot sustain their everyday expenses, which lead them to indulge in mendicancy, vagrancy and even human trafficking. The children have also recorded high cases of malnutrition, school dropout, substance abuse (e.g. rugby-to relieve hunger and pain). They have very low life expectancy.

To address above mentioned situations, the College of Arts and Sciences of Central Philippine University orchestrated the Women and Development Program to help women in various walks of life to improve their well-being, help them to have access to various programs and services of the government and non-government agencies and to maximize their full potential. The program was initiated in the Ati Community and Children Center, located in Brgy. Lanit, Jaro, Iloilo City.

The integrated program activities were based on the issues, concerns and challenges faced by the women. Among the activities were Environmental Stewardship and Literacy. The activity was aimed at fostering the environmental knowledge, skills and sensitivity of the participants; Women Rights and Empowerment in order to increase the awareness of women of opportunities, rights and protection for women and children; Women’s Health and Basic Family planning. Also included in the activity was the Integrated Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (IWASH) literacy, to help men and women understand the importance of potable water, proper sanitation and holistic development of the community. An Art Workshop was added to showcase the artistic side of women.

The programs were intended to promote women and men’s empowerment. It is also about promoting gender and development inclusivity. The selected community of this program is also been an adopted community of Central Philippine University Elementary School. The outreach activities started on May 31, 2023.