Nagtipunan, Quirino– Indigenous Peoples (IP) women leaders shine during DSWD FO 02’s Women’s Month celebration on March 16, 2016 as they receive their award as outstanding IP leaders.

Four (4) strong and determined women were recognized not only for their active participation in different activities in their communities but most importantly by sharing the best gift that a parent can give to their children, the gift of education.

Pilar Tindungan, 56 years old and an Ifugao, has nine (9) children, eight (8) of which graduated from college while the youngest is about to graduate from college, received the loudest cheers from the participants when she received her award.

Joining Aling Pilar in receiving the recognition were Luzcely Tabunan, an Ilokano and a businesswoman; Lenie Gutierrez, a Bangkalot and who has four (4) children, two of whom earned their college diploma and Caridad Andaya, an Igorot, widow for 36 years, with five children, 4 of whom already graduated from college.

Meanwhile, the celebration also served as a platform for an MCCT beneficiary to share her story as an empowered IP.

“Dahil sa MCCT at iba pang mga programa ng DSWD tulad nito, nalaman ko na  kaming mga IP ay hindi pala naiiba at mayroong  kaparehong  karapatan sa ibang miyembro ng lipunan. Naging kumportable akong makihalubilo sa aming kumunidad at makibahagi sa mga aktibidad sa kumunidad,” shared Jennielyn Bun-or, an Ifugao MCCT beneficiary.

The different IP groups also learned about the basics of the Indigenous Peoples’  Rights Act of 1997 as discussed by Mr. Gregorio Singangan, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Provincial Officer. ### By: Gela Flor R. Perez, Regional Information Officer II