A NON-PROFIT organization is eyeing to build 47 houses for the indigenous people (IP) in Barangay Baganihan, Marilog Davao City, as it hoped to make a culture-based tourist destination community.
Habitat for Humanity Philippines Project Manager for Davao lawyer Abdussabor Sawadjaan bared this in an interview with VoxPop Davao on Thursday, October 20, saying this is in line with their advocacy in serving Filipino families in need of decent homes.
The 47 houses will be funded by Brunei Darussalam.
The beneficiaries are members of the Matigasalog Tribe, Sawadjaan said.
He added this shows Brunei's trust in the local government of Davao City and in heeding the plight of IP community being among the most underserved sectors.
“The houses are very nice; They are resilient and durable. We are trying to make houses that are attuned to their culture,” Sawadjaan said, adding they are currently securing permits from the National Commission of Indigenous People.
When all the necessary documents have been completed, the organization will immediately proceed to the building stage.
“This will be in collaboration with many other organizations in Davao City. Among these are Rotary Clubs and Philippine Women's College,” Sawadjaan added.
Sawadjaan said they will also coordinate with the City Tourism Office as they don’t want to build houses only, but also a community.
“I want this community to flourish because my vision is a tribal village which is similar to that of the Yakal Village in Zamboanga City where it's not just a livelihood village but a tourist destination as well,” he said.
The organization is hopeful to start the project by January and end in March next year.
Sawadjaan urged other groups to support the organization’s project for he envisions a community to be a cultural center where Lumads can showcase their history, culture, and capabilities.