Special Treatment - a story of empowerment
I would like to share a wonderful story about special treatments.
DSWD is spearheading the implementation of KALAHI-CIDSS:KKB, a foreign funded poverty alleviation program in many areas in the Cordillera. Sadanga, Mt. Province is one such area.
Traditionally, the elders decide what development should come to their community. This time, it was not so. As part of the process, a series of consultations called inter-barangay forums were held to determine what project/s is/are needed in their area. In the first meetings the formal leaders were pushing for an irrigation system. A lot of the residents found the proposal good. However, a group of high school students begged to differ. According to their own research most of the residents needed a road. Convinced that their community would benefit more from a road construction, the students decided to band together to try to convince the leaders to opt for another equally important project.
What followed was unheard of in many of the rural communities in the Cordilleras. In the final meeting on what project will be funded, all the high school students decided to skip class to attend the gathering. Led by an unassuming lass, Sarah Chakiwag, the students marched to the meeting determined to let the leaders know that they too have voices that needs to be heard.
They sat down and listened, eagerly waiting for their time to speak. Initially, the elders were hesitant, but eventually gave in. Calmly but with adult-like determination, Sarah and a community volunteer laid out the benefits of a road project over the irrigation system. At the end of the presentation, all the residents casted their votes - in favor of the road project. Today, the Makamkamar-Sangey Municipal Road is servicing the economic and access needs of the municipality. For Sarah and her friends going to school will now be more pleasant because of the road. Produce from their parents farms can now reach the market adding needed resources. There is satisfaction for the children in Sadanga because they were involved.
You see, power and authority were given to the students and it did open doors for them. In a way they were given the special treatment.
DSWD is spearheading the implementation of KALAHI-CIDSS:KKB, a foreign funded poverty alleviation program in many areas in the Cordillera. Sadanga, Mt. Province is one such area.
Traditionally, the elders decide what development should come to their community. This time, it was not so. As part of the process, a series of consultations called inter-barangay forums were held to determine what project/s is/are needed in their area. In the first meetings the formal leaders were pushing for an irrigation system. A lot of the residents found the proposal good. However, a group of high school students begged to differ. According to their own research most of the residents needed a road. Convinced that their community would benefit more from a road construction, the students decided to band together to try to convince the leaders to opt for another equally important project.
What followed was unheard of in many of the rural communities in the Cordilleras. In the final meeting on what project will be funded, all the high school students decided to skip class to attend the gathering. Led by an unassuming lass, Sarah Chakiwag, the students marched to the meeting determined to let the leaders know that they too have voices that needs to be heard.
They sat down and listened, eagerly waiting for their time to speak. Initially, the elders were hesitant, but eventually gave in. Calmly but with adult-like determination, Sarah and a community volunteer laid out the benefits of a road project over the irrigation system. At the end of the presentation, all the residents casted their votes - in favor of the road project. Today, the Makamkamar-Sangey Municipal Road is servicing the economic and access needs of the municipality. For Sarah and her friends going to school will now be more pleasant because of the road. Produce from their parents farms can now reach the market adding needed resources. There is satisfaction for the children in Sadanga because they were involved.
You see, power and authority were given to the students and it did open doors for them. In a way they were given the special treatment.
I wonder where exactly in Sadanga this incident happened? I was in the area earlier at the time.
ReplyDeleteThanks.